2000 Chrysler PT Cruiser vs. 2003 Pontiac GTO

To start off, 2003 Pontiac GTO is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Chrysler PT Cruiser. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Chrysler PT Cruiser would be higher. At 5,665 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Pontiac GTO is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Pontiac GTO (350 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 199 more horse power than 2000 Chrysler PT Cruiser. (151 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Pontiac GTO should accelerate faster than 2000 Chrysler PT Cruiser. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Pontiac GTO weights approximately 280 kg more than 2000 Chrysler PT Cruiser. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 2003 Pontiac GTO 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 2003 Pontiac GTO. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 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, 2003 Pontiac GTO (495 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 307 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Chrysler PT Cruiser. (188 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2003 Pontiac GTO will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Chrysler PT Cruiser. 2003 Pontiac GTO has automatic transmission and 2000 Chrysler PT Cruiser has manual transmission. 2000 Chrysler PT Cruiser will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Pontiac GTO will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

2000 Chrysler PT Cruiser 2003 Pontiac GTO
Make Chrysler Pontiac
Model PT Cruiser GTO
Year Released 2000 2003
Body Type Hatchback Coupe
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1996 cc 5665 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 8 cylinders
Engine Type in-line V
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 2 valves
Horse Power 151 HP 350 HP
Engine RPM 5700 RPM 5200 RPM
Torque 188 Nm 495 Nm
Torque RPM 4400 RPM 4000 RPM
Engine Bore Size 87.5 mm 99 mm
Engine Stroke Size 83 mm 92 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 9.0:1 10.1:1
Drive Type Front Rear
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 4 seats
Number of Doors 5 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 1410 kg 1690 kg
Vehicle Length 4290 mm 4830 mm
Vehicle Width 1710 mm 1850 mm
Vehicle Height 1610 mm 1400 mm
Wheelbase Size 2620 mm 2860 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 57 L 70 L