1996 BMW 530 vs. 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser
To start off, 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 530. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 530 would be higher. At 2,793 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 530 (193 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser. (150 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser weights approximately 300 kg more than 1996 BMW 530.
Because 1996 BMW 530 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 1996 BMW 530. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 1996 BMW 530 (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser. (224 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 530 | 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser | |
| Make | BMW | Chrysler |
| Model | 530 | PT Cruiser |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 2397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 193 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 101 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1515 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 57 L |
