2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser vs. 2012 Lancia Thema
To start off, 2012 Lancia Thema is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser would be higher. At 5,700 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Lancia Thema is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lancia Thema (363 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser. (215 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lancia Thema should accelerate faster than 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lancia Thema weights approximately 457 kg more than 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Lancia Thema 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 2012 Lancia Thema. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2012 Lancia Thema (534 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 195 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser. (339 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Lancia Thema will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser | 2012 Lancia Thema | |
| Make | Chrysler | Lancia |
| Model | PT Cruiser | Thema |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2399 cc | 5700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 363 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 339 Nm | 534 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1962 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 5044 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1905 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1491 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 3053 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 72 L |
