2007 Lotus Elise vs. 2005 Saturn ION
To start off, 2007 Lotus Elise is newer by 2 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Saturn ION is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Saturn ION (205 HP) has 15 more horse power than 2007 Lotus Elise. (190 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Saturn ION should accelerate faster than 2007 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Saturn ION weights approximately 434 kg more than 2007 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 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 2007 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, 2005 Saturn ION (271 Nm) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Lotus Elise. (187 Nm). This means 2005 Saturn ION will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Lotus Elise | 2005 Saturn ION | |
| Make | Lotus | Saturn |
| Model | Elise | ION |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 205 HP |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 896 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.1 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.8 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 49 L |
