2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser vs. 1996 Ford Indigo
To start off, 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Indigo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Indigo would be higher. At 5,935 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Ford Indigo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Indigo (430 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 282 more horse power than 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Indigo should accelerate faster than 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser weights approximately 388 kg more than 1996 Ford Indigo.
Because 1996 Ford Indigo 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 1996 Ford Indigo. 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, 1996 Ford Indigo (549 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 249 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser. (300 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Indigo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser | 1996 Ford Indigo | |
| Make | Chrysler | Ford |
| Model | PT Cruiser | Indigo |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2148 cc | 5935 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 430 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 549 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 183 km/hour | 321 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1558 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 2090 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1010 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2900 mm |
