1981 Buick Estate vs. 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser
To start off, 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Buick Estate. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Buick Estate would be higher. At 5,735 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Buick Estate (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser. (141 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Buick Estate should accelerate faster than 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Buick Estate weights approximately 370 kg more than 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Buick Estate 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 1981 Buick Estate. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser, 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, 1981 Buick Estate (380 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser. (214 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Buick Estate will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Buick Estate | 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser | |
| Make | Buick | Chrysler |
| Model | Estate | PT Cruiser |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5735 cc | 2428 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 214 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 97.8 mm | 101 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1880 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5510 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2620 mm |
