Saturn SL

Saturn SL: Which Version to Buy and Why

The Saturn SL version to choose depends mainly on whether you value lower fuel consumption, stronger performance, a Manual or Automatic gearbox, and the differences between the two generations. Every version is a front-wheel-drive Sedan with a naturally aspirated 1901 cm³ Gasoline engine, but output ranges from 85 hp to 126 hp.

The Saturn SL version to choose depends mainly on whether you value lower fuel consumption, stronger performance, a Manual or Automatic gearbox, and the differences between the two generations. Every version is a front-wheel-drive Sedan with a naturally aspirated 1901 cm³ Gasoline engine, but output ranges from 85 hp to 126 hp. The 1 generation covers 1990–1995 and offers six versions; the 2 generation covers 1996–2002 and offers four. For the best measured economy, choose the 100 hp 1.9 MT from the 2 generation. For the strongest power-to-weight ratio and quickest measured acceleration, choose the 126 hp 1.9 MT from the 2 generation. The 126 hp 1.9 AT is the more powerful Automatic alternative, although its measured consumption and acceleration are less favorable than those of the equivalent Manual.

Saturn SL generations: what changed?

The 1 generation was produced from 1990 to 1995 as a Sedan and includes six versions. Its naturally aspirated 1901 cm³ engine is available with 85 hp, 100 hp, or 126 hp, and each output has a 1.9 MT and a 1.9 AT alternative. The 85 hp versions use central injection, while the 100 hp and 126 hp versions use distributed multi-point injection. All versions have FWD, independent spring suspension at both ends, ventilated front discs, rear drums, 145 mm of ground clearance, and a 49-liter tank.

The 2 generation was produced from 1996 to 2002 as a Sedan and includes four versions. It drops the 85 hp choice but retains the 100 hp and 126 hp engines, each paired with either a 1.9 MT or 1.9 AT gearbox. Distributed multi-point injection is fitted across this generation. Ground clearance decreases from 145 mm to 140 mm, a difference of 5 mm, while tank capacity falls from 49 liters to 46 liters, a difference of 3 liters. Suspension, brake layout, engine position, and FWD remain consistent with the earlier generation.

Saturn SL engine and specs

Because identical version names are used for different outputs and generations, each one is identified below by generation and horsepower. The 1.9 MT always means a 5-speed Manual, while the 1.9 AT always means a 4-speed Automatic.

The output choice matters more than the common 1.9 MT or 1.9 AT names suggest. The 100 hp engine adds 15 hp and 10 Nm over the 85 hp engine. The 126 hp engine adds another 26 hp and 10 Nm over the 100 hp unit, or 41 hp and 20 Nm over the 85 hp unit.

Calculated from the listed 1901 cm³ displacement, approximate specific output is 44.7 hp per liter for the 85 hp engine, 52.6 hp per liter for the 100 hp engine, and 66.3 hp per liter for the 126 hp engine. The 85 hp and 100 hp engines have 2 valves per cylinder and a 9.3 compression ratio. The 126 hp engine has 4 valves per cylinder and a 9.5 compression ratio.

Saturn SL horsepower, performance, and mpg

Performance and fuel-consumption measurements are incomplete, especially for the 1 generation. A missing value is listed as not measured rather than estimated.

Among versions with measured consumption, the 100 hp 1.9 MT from the 2 generation uses the least fuel: 6.9 l/100 km combined. Compared with the 126 hp 1.9 MT, it uses 0.5 l/100 km less combined, 0.6 l/100 km less in the city, and 0.3 l/100 km less on the highway.

Between the two measured 126 hp versions, the 1.9 MT reaches 100 km/h 2 seconds sooner than the 1.9 AT. The Automatic has a listed top speed 20 km/h higher, but it consumes 0.4 l/100 km more combined, 0.7 l/100 km more in the city, and 0.3 l/100 km more on the highway. These figures make the 126 hp 1.9 MT the clearer performance choice, while the 126 hp 1.9 AT is the option for buyers who specifically prefer Automatic transmission.

Saturn SL weight, ground clearance, tank, and wheel sizes

External dimensions are not measured in the supplied specifications, so length, width, height, and wheelbase are all not measured. Wheel sizes are also not measured for every version.

For versions with measured kerb weight, the lightest is the 100 hp 1.9 MT from the 1 generation at 1054 kg. The equivalent 2 generation 1.9 MT weighs 1058 kg, only 4 kg more. The 126 hp 1.9 MT becomes 12 kg lighter in the 2 generation, falling from 1100 kg to 1088 kg.

Calculated weight-to-power ratios clarify the differences. The 1 generation 85 hp 1.9 MT carries about 12.94 kg per hp. Its 100 hp 1.9 MT counterpart carries 10.54 kg per hp, while the 126 hp 1.9 MT carries about 8.73 kg per hp. In the 2 generation, the 100 hp 1.9 MT carries 10.58 kg per hp, the 126 hp 1.9 MT about 8.63 kg per hp, and the 126 hp 1.9 AT about 8.73 kg per hp. No weight-to-power figure can be calculated for versions whose kerb weight is not measured.

Which Saturn SL version should you buy?

The 2 generation 1.9 MT with 100 hp is the economy-led choice. It has the lowest measured combined consumption at 6.9 l/100 km, while still providing 100 hp and 155 Nm. Its 1058 kg kerb weight is close to the lightest measured SL, and its 10.58 kg-per-hp ratio is substantially better than the 12.94 kg per hp calculated for the 85 hp 1 generation 1.9 MT.

The 2 generation 1.9 MT with 126 hp is the strongest all-round performance choice. It has the quickest measured 0–100 km/h time at 9 seconds, the best calculated weight-to-power ratio at about 8.63 kg per hp, and combined consumption of 7.4 l/100 km. Compared with the 100 hp 1.9 MT from the same generation, it provides 26 hp and 10 Nm more while using 0.5 l/100 km more combined.

Choose the 2 generation 1.9 AT with 126 hp when an Automatic gearbox is essential. It retains 126 hp and 165 Nm, but its 11-second 0–100 km/h time is 2 seconds slower than the Manual version, and its combined consumption is 0.4 l/100 km higher. Its measured 180 km/h maximum speed is 20 km/h above the Manual’s listed figure.

The 1 generation is the better fit when the larger 49-liter tank or 145 mm ground clearance matters. It offers 3 liters more tank capacity and 5 mm more clearance than the 2 generation. It is also the only generation with the 85 hp 1.9 MT and 1.9 AT options. However, acceleration, top speed, and consumption are not measured for any 1 generation version, so an evidence-based performance or economy comparison with the later cars cannot be completed.

Overall, the supplied numbers favor the 100 hp 1.9 MT from the 2 generation for measured economy and the 126 hp 1.9 MT from the 2 generation for performance. Buyers who want an Automatic should compare the 100 hp and 126 hp 1.9 AT versions by output and torque, but only the 126 hp Automatic has measured performance and consumption figures; the equivalent figures for the 100 hp 1.9 AT are not measured.