2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser vs. 1996 Toyota Carina
To start off, 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Toyota Carina would be higher. At 2,147 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser (119 HP @ 4150 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1996 Toyota Carina. (106 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser should accelerate faster than 1996 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser weights approximately 400 kg more than 1996 Toyota Carina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Chrysler PT Cruiser (300 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Toyota Carina. (156 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Toyota Carina.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser | 1996 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Chrysler | Toyota |
| Model | PT Cruiser | Carina |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2147 cc | 1762 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 119 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4150 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 156 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1535 kg | 1135 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2590 mm |
