2005 Saturn ION vs. 2011 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2011 Lotus Elise is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Saturn ION. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Saturn ION would be higher. At 2,189 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Saturn ION is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lotus Elise (217 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 2005 Saturn ION. (138 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2005 Saturn ION. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Saturn ION weights approximately 274 kg more than 2011 Lotus Elise.
Because 2011 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 2011 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Saturn ION, 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, 2011 Lotus Elise (210 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Saturn ION. (197 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2011 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Saturn ION.
Compare all specifications:
2005 Saturn ION | 2011 Lotus Elise | |
Make | Saturn | Lotus |
Model | ION | Elise |
Year Released | 2005 | 2011 |
Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 2189 cc | 1800 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 217 HP |
Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 8000 RPM |
Torque | 197 Nm | 210 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 926 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 3785 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1118 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2299 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 44 L |