 Performance
Enhancements |
| Performance
Enhancements |
MY 1999 SC2 TEST-DRIVE EXPERIENCE Ok, so you're already asking, "Why is this here in a list of performance enhancements on his '94?" Well, I'll tell you why. The main reason that I continue in my quest to make my Saturn more fun to drive and perform better is very easy to sum up. My 94 SC2 is paid for, and adding to the fun of this car keeps me from buying another. I visited my local retailer and took a 1999 SC2 out for a spin. I'm not at all considering buying a new one - I wanted to compare the feel of my own car (with all the enhancements) to the feel of a stock, brand-spankin'-new SC2. I can now say with certainty that all the performance enhancements were worth it, and the difference is very noticeable. Here's the subjective comparison:
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| ITEM | 1999 SC2 (3 mi.) | 1994 SC2 (70,000 mi.) | NOTES |
| Acceleration | so-so | better | |
| Low RPM torque | good | better | ( < 4000 RPM) |
| High RPM torque | smooth | noticeably better | ( > 4000 RPM) |
| Engine noise level | very very quiet | not nearly as quiet | My intake and exhaust throw this out the window |
| Clutch feel | good | good | Relatively equal, even with my mileage |
| Shifter feel | too stiff | ok | Maybe because it wasn't broken in |
| Engine smoothness | wow | not as smooth | |
| Handling responsiveness | good | very good | |
| Cornering feel | ok | very good | |
| Creaks & rattles | none | some when new, none now | |
| Ride quality | very smooth | good | First generation coupes are naturally a bit stiffer than new generation, which helps handling responsiveness (in stock form) |
| Interior size | better | ok | Noticeably more legroom in the '99, but the steering wheel is too far away with no adjustability |
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