1998 Lotus Elise vs. 2000 Saturn SC
To start off, 2000 Saturn SC is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,901 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Saturn SC is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lotus Elise (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2000 Saturn SC. (100 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2000 Saturn SC. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Saturn SC weights approximately 365 kg more than 1998 Lotus Elise.
Because 1998 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 1998 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 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, 1998 Lotus Elise (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Saturn SC. (154 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1998 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Saturn SC.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lotus Elise | 2000 Saturn SC | |
| Make | Lotus | Saturn |
| Model | Elise | SC |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1901 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 154 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 | Manual |
| 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 |
