2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser vs. 2012 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2012 Lotus Elise 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 2,425 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lotus Elise (217 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser. (215 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser weights approximately 576 kg more than 2012 Lotus Elise.
Because 2012 Lotus Elise 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 Lotus Elise. 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, 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser (332 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Lotus Elise. (210 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser | 2012 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Chrysler | Lotus |
| Model | PT Cruiser | Elise |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2425 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1502 kg | 926 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 44 L |
