2009 Chevrolet Avalanche vs. 2003 Saturn L
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Saturn L. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Saturn L would be higher. At 5,300 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche (310 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 175 more horse power than 2003 Saturn L. (135 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche should accelerate faster than 2003 Saturn L. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Saturn L weights approximately 215 kg more than 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche.
Because 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Saturn L, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche (454 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 255 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Saturn L. (199 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Saturn L. 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche has automatic transmission and 2003 Saturn L has manual transmission. 2003 Saturn L will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche | 2003 Saturn L | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Saturn |
| Model | Avalanche | L |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5300 cc | 2196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 310 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 454 Nm | 199 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1105 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5630 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1950 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3310 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 117 L | 59 L |
