2009 Honda Civic vs. 2002 Saturn L
To start off, 2009 Honda Civic is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Saturn L. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Saturn L would be higher. At 2,196 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Saturn L is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda Civic (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2002 Saturn L. (135 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 2002 Saturn L. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Civic weights approximately 347 kg more than 2002 Saturn L. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Honda Civic 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 Honda Civic. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 2002 Saturn L (199 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2002 Saturn L will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Civic | 2002 Saturn L | |
| Make | Honda | Saturn |
| Model | Civic | L |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 2196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 199 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.3 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1685 kg | 1338 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 60 L |
