1997 Lotus Elise vs. 2001 Saturn SC
To start off, 2001 Saturn SC is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,900 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Saturn SC is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Lotus Elise (117 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2001 Saturn SC. (100 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2001 Saturn SC. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Saturn SC weights approximately 365 kg more than 1997 Lotus Elise.
Because 1997 Lotus Elise 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 1997 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Saturn SC, 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, 1997 Lotus Elise (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Saturn SC. (155 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1997 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Saturn SC. 2001 Saturn SC has automatic transmission and 1997 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 1997 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Saturn SC will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Lotus Elise | 2001 Saturn SC | |
| Make | Lotus | Saturn |
| Model | Elise | SC |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 117 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.4 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 1070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 60 L |
