2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser vs. 2002 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2002 Nissan Altima is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser would be higher. At 2,488 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Nissan Altima (173 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser. (140 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser weights approximately 87 kg more than 2002 Nissan Altima.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2002 Nissan Altima (244 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser. (190 Nm @ 4150 RPM). This means 2002 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser. 2002 Nissan Altima has automatic transmission and 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser has manual transmission. 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Nissan Altima will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser | 2002 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Chrysler | Nissan |
| Model | PT Cruiser | Altima |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4150 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1383 kg | 1296 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 57 L | 76 L |
