Stratum

File:Stratum (GTASA) (front).jpg

A Stratum in GTA San Andreas.

The Stratum is a mid-sized 4 door station wagon that is available for the player in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas and Grand Theft Auto IV.

The Stratum has a more streamlined design than other station wagons in the games. It is one of the gang cars used by the San Fierro Triads, the other two being the Elegy and the Sultan. It also heavily increases the player’s sex appeal. After completing Stevie's text message car thefts in GTA IV, the game's Stratum may be sold in his garage for $1,800.

Design

GTA San Andreas

The GTA San Andreas Stratum closely resembles a 1991–1993 Honda Accord wagon. Considering the performance and dual-exhaust ports, it is likely meant to be a V6, despite this option not being available on the Accord until reaching the fifth generation, beginning in the 1994 model year; and the appearance of its C-pillars and taillights are also closer to 1994–1997 Accord station wagons.

GTA IV

The GTA IV version of the Stratum still resembles a 1991–1993 Honda Accord station wagon but the C-pillars and rear of the car, unlike the GTA SA rendition, have no influences from a 1994–1997 Accord wagon but instead, a 1991–1993 Accord wagon for the rear but it seems more modernized and the C-pillars seem to be off another car (somewhat like a 1996-2001 Toyota Camry wagon); and the front is from a R32 Nissan Skyline. The game's Stratum may appear in two forms, the standard variant and the "Twin Turbo" variant, which features an additional spoiler over the rear windscreen and a "Twin Turbo" badge in the rear. The GTA IV rendition also features an optional sunroof or luggage rails on the roof.

Performance

GTA San Andreas

Acceleration and speed are surprisingly good, considering the Stratum’s size. The engine is most likely a powerful V6 and the drivetrain is rear-drive, making the Stratum a good selection as a drive-by vehicle. The body is, however, weakly constructed, making the car susceptible to intense damage from high-speed impacts and heavy gunfire.

GTA IV

The Zirconium Stratum 2.6GT appears to be powered by a V6, or a high-torque inline-4 or inline-6(hence the Skyline front end), coupled to a 5 speed gearbox in a RWD configuration. Acceleration is inferior, and its top speed (277km/h) is limited by its weight and poor aerodynamic coefficient. The Stratum's handling is quite good, though oversteer can be dramatic at times, and its suspension evens out bumps without being excessively soft. Braking is acceptable, and ABS is standard on all Stratum wagons. Crash deformation is very good, with the Stratum keeping most of its shape in a collision; engine build quality, however, is less desirable, with the Stratum often left disabled after only a few impacts.

Modifications

While the GTA San Andreas rendition of the Stratum cannot be upgraded in TransFender, it can be upgraded at Wheel Arch Angels in Ocean Flats, San Fierro since it is considered a tuner.

Locations

GTA San Andreas

• Spawns in the Wang Cars showroom in San Fierro after completing the asset missions.
• Spawns near the Four Dragons Casino in Las Venturas
• In the compound of a plastic factory during the mission You've Had Your Chips.

GTA IV

• The Stratum can spawn almost everywhere, as it's a very common car in Liberty City.

Trivia

• The Stratum plays the following radio stations by default when entered:
  • Bounce FM in GTA San Andreas.
  • Integrity 2.0, WKTT Radio or PLR in GTA IV.

Gallery

• GTA San Andreas rendition; rear quarter view.

  GTA San Andreas rendition; rear quarter view.

• A Stratum in Grand Theft Auto IV.

  A Stratum in Grand Theft Auto IV.

• GTA IV rendition; rear quarter view without a sunroof and luggage rails.

  GTA IV rendition; rear quarter view without a sunroof and luggage rails.

• GTA IV rendition; rear quarter view of the Twin Turbo variant, featuring an additional spoiler.

  GTA IV rendition; rear quarter view of the Twin Turbo variant, featuring an additional spoiler.