Stratum

Revision as of 03:18, 18 October 2012 by NismoR35 (talk | contribs) (→‎Design)
Vehicle
Stratum
A Stratum in GTA San Andreas..
A Stratum in GTA San Andreas..
(Rear quarter view)
A Stratum in GTA San Andreas..
Appearance(s) GTA San Andreas
GTA IV
Vehicle type Civilian car
Body style 4-door station wagon
Capacity 4 (driver and 3 passengers)
Manufacturer Zirconium (GTA IV)
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The Stratum is a mid-sized 4-door station wagon seen in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas and Grand Theft Auto IV. The Stratum has a more streamlined design than other station wagons in the series.

GTA San Andreas

Design

The Stratum's design, performance, and its likely V6 engine suggest that it is derived from the fifth generation (1994–1997) Honda Accord wagon; however D-pillars have been added. The car's real-life counterpart fails to fit in the game's time setting (1992).

The car is a gang car preferred by the San Fierro Triads.

Performance

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 weak, however, making the car susceptible to intense damage from high-speed impacts and heavy gunfire.

Modifications

Possible combinations of modifications that can be given to Stratums at Wheel Arch Angels in GTA San Andreas.

The Stratum is considered a tuner, and can be upgraded at Wheel Arch Angels in Ocean Flats, San Fierro.

Locations

GTA IV

Design

In GTA IV, the Zirconium Stratum 2.6GT still takes its primary inspiration from the fifth generation Honda Accord station wagon (with the same added pillars as the previous rendition), albeit with a front end derived from the R32 Nissan Skyline, the rear end loosely resembles the first generation Subaru Impreza station wagon, and C-pillars which may be derived from the 1996-2001 Toyota Camry wagon. The game's Stratum may appear in two forms, the standard model or 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, or a subtle bodykit.

Performance

The Stratum 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 (145 km/h, 90 mph) 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.

Locations

Trivia

  • The front of a Stratum is very similar to the front of a Solair. The two cars are so similar, that people who play both GTA San Andreas and GTA IV infrequently often get the two cars confused.
  • In GTA San Andreas, it is one of the gang cars used by the San Fierro Triads, the other two being the Elegy and the Sultan; it heavily increases CJ's sex appeal.
  • In GTA IV, after completing Stevie's text message car thefts, the Stratum may be sold in his garage for $1,800.
  • The Stratum plays the following radio stations by default when entered:
  • In a prerelease screenshot of GTA San Andreas, the Stratum had an emblem on the hood.[1]
  • Oddly, the front turn signal lights do not illuminate in GTA IV, however they do illuminate on the ground like every other car.

Reference