2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser vs. 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina

To start off, 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina would be higher. At 2,423 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser (150 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina. (105 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser should accelerate faster than 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser weights approximately 800 kg more than 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina 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 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser (224 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina. (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina.

Compare all specifications:

2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina
Make Chrysler Ford
Model PT Cruiser Lotus Cortina
Year Released 2006 1966
Body Type Convertible Convertible
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 2423 cc 1558 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 2 valves
Horse Power 150 HP 105 HP
Engine RPM 5100 RPM 6000 RPM
Torque 224 Nm 145 Nm
Torque RPM 4000 RPM 4500 RPM
Engine Bore Size 87.5 mm 82.6 mm
Engine Stroke Size 101 mm 72.8 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 10.0:1 9.5:1
Drive Type Front Rear
Number of Seats 4 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 1705 kg 905 kg
Vehicle Length 4290 mm 4270 mm
Vehicle Width 1710 mm 1670 mm
Vehicle Height 1550 mm 1400 mm
Wheelbase Size 2620 mm 2560 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 57 L 45 L