2006 Subaru Forester vs. 2004 Saturn L
To start off, 2006 Subaru Forester is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Saturn L. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Saturn L would be higher. At 2,458 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Subaru Forester is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Subaru Forester (173 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 2004 Saturn L. (135 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Subaru Forester should accelerate faster than 2004 Saturn L. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Subaru Forester weights approximately 313 kg more than 2004 Saturn L. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Subaru Forester is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Saturn L. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Subaru Forester will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2006 Subaru Forester (225 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Saturn L. (199 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2006 Subaru Forester will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Saturn L. 2004 Saturn L has automatic transmission and 2006 Subaru Forester has manual transmission. 2006 Subaru Forester will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Saturn L will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Subaru Forester | 2004 Saturn L | |
| Make | Subaru | Saturn |
| Model | Forester | L |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2004 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2458 cc | 2196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 199 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1633 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.1 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.7 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 62 L |
