2004 Lotus Elise vs. 1996 Saturn SL
To start off, 2004 Lotus Elise is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Saturn SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Saturn SL would be higher. At 1,901 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Saturn SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1996 Saturn SL. (100 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1996 Saturn SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Saturn SL weights approximately 306 kg more than 2004 Lotus Elise.
Because 2004 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 2004 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Saturn SL, 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, 2004 Lotus Elise (172 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Saturn SL. (158 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2004 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Saturn SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Lotus Elise | 1996 Saturn SL | |
| Make | Lotus | Saturn |
| Model | Elise | SL |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1901 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 158 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 1056 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1400 mm |
