Would It Be Worth It If...

[GreenEggsAndHam]

If I trade in my '92 SL1 for an '93 SL2, or even an '95 SC2, would it be worth it? I don't want to trade in and come find out there's only a .5 increase in power. I know they both have about 30 more HP, but am I definitely going to feel it? At what RPM's is it noticable? I need answers here....

[SpeedPlayer 97sl2]

Before the SOHC engine was improved in 1995 (?) to yield 100 hp, the difference between the SOHC and DOHC was quite noticable. You may not notice that much difference between a stickshift SL1 and an automatic SL2 in normal city driving, but when you merge on the freeway, you'll definately notice the extra power. If you get a stickshift Sx2, the difference between that and a 91 SL1 will be very noticable and appreciated. Not only in acceleration, but you'll notice that the handling in the Sx2's is tighter and more taut.

Acevedo 97sl2

[Will_Rage]

Have you had any problems with your 91? I know they ironed out quite a few kinks the first couple of years. the 91-94? SL1 had only 85 horses under the hood. My 93 SL1m is pretty peppy, but my wife's 96 SL2a would beat me in any accelleration contest even tho I might beat her off the line. I like the 1st generation body style much better than the newer bubblymobile. Give me a 2002 SL2 "Classic" with the 1st gen body and 3rd gen engine (maybe a small V6 with a 6speed tranny and 200hp?)..
oh ya caught me dreamin again.

Rageout

[GreenEggsAndHam]

My car is a '92 SL1..not '91. Anyways, no, I have had no problems with it so far. You say you would beat your wife's 96 SL2a off the line??? Is that only because you have a manual? Or do the SOHC motors have more low end torque? And I do agree with you on the 1st Gen body style comment...it looks MUCH sleeker than the newer body style, which looks too much like a bean.

[LDB_2001SC2_#54of99]

Why not go test drive one or two of the ones you are thinking about? This will give you your own seat of the pants impression of the difference in power, responsiveness, and overall fun factor. Personally, I think the original sedans were/are the best looking sedans around. It's too bad they couldn't offer that as an option today. Maybe a special edition run of a dozen gross to celebrate Saturn's twelfth anniversary. SATURN!! ARE YOU LISTENING?

[John10]

Yep, yep lets make up a "dozen gross" of those classic sedans. I'd like to return to my original Saturn experience when the hard rain came in the drivers side window molding because there was no water channel on the roof. I really loved it too when I opened my trunk and everything inside got wet because of less than ideal water run off design. Heck I couldn't take my normal second cup of coffee out of Burger King in the morning because there were no cup holders. It was very hard to hold that hot cup and try to get the key into an ignition that had an inconvenient approach angle. Now don't get me wrong, I wish I still owned my original Saturn for the sake of nostalgia. I actually do find the old exterior design to be attractive but I would not want to accept the other shortfalls that that car had compared to what is available now.

[JPRex]

I miss my original 91 SL as well. Despite it's problems I loved that car. I'm contemplating a new 2001 SC2 as a future purchase.

[joeybagodonuts]

hey bro, i have plenty of low mileage 100 h.p. single cams in stock, if yuo enjoy your car but want more power i could show you the way! be cool, joe

[BobL]

Joey may be your best bet here. In fact, if he's still doing shop work, he probably could put it in for you if you could get to his place.

When you're dealing with cars having a decent bit of age on them, you'd probably be better off keeping your present car and improving it unless you are aware of other impending problems.

Buying a used car is always a crapshoot.

Just my opinion.

P.S. Have you checked out the financing deals on new 2000 Saturns. It might just work out like it did for my son.