2008 Saturn Astra vs. 2011 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2011 Lotus Elise is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Saturn Astra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Saturn Astra would be higher. At 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 2008 Saturn Astra. (139 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2008 Saturn Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Saturn Astra weights approximately 373 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, 2008 Saturn Astra, 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 (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Saturn Astra. (170 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2011 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Saturn Astra.
Compare all specifications:
2008 Saturn Astra | 2011 Lotus Elise | |
Make | Saturn | Lotus |
Model | Astra | Elise |
Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
Body Type | Hatchback | Roadster |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 1799 cc | 1800 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 139 HP | 189 HP |
Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 7800 RPM |
Torque | 170 Nm | 180 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 6800 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1285 kg | 912 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 3785 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1118 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2299 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 46 L | 44 L |