2008 Lotus Exige vs. 1996 Saturn SC
To start off, 2008 Lotus Exige is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Saturn SC. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Saturn SC would be higher. At 1,901 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Saturn SC is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Lotus Exige (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1996 Saturn SC. (101 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1996 Saturn SC. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Saturn SC weights approximately 129 kg more than 2008 Lotus Exige.
Because 2008 Lotus Exige 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 2008 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 2008 Lotus Exige (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Saturn SC. (158 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Saturn SC.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Lotus Exige | 1996 Saturn SC | |
| Make | Lotus | Saturn |
| Model | Exige | SC |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1901 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 158 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 916 kg | 1045 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2610 mm |
