2009 Honda Civic vs. 1998 Saturn SL
To start off, 2009 Honda Civic is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Saturn SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Saturn SL would be higher. At 1,901 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Saturn SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda Civic (140 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1998 Saturn SL. (100 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1998 Saturn SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Civic weights approximately 406 kg more than 1998 Saturn SL. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Honda Civic (174 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Saturn SL. (159 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Saturn SL. 2009 Honda Civic has automatic transmission and 1998 Saturn SL has manual transmission. 1998 Saturn SL will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Honda Civic will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Civic | 1998 Saturn SL | |
| Make | Honda | Saturn |
| Model | Civic | SL |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1797 cc | 1901 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 159 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1461 kg | 1055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1400 mm |
