2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser vs. 2005 Dodge Charger

To start off, 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Dodge Charger. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Dodge Charger would be higher. At 5,654 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Dodge Charger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Dodge Charger (340 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 221 more horse power than 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser. (119 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Dodge Charger 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 45 kg more than 2005 Dodge Charger.

Because 2005 Dodge Charger 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 2005 Dodge Charger. 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, 2005 Dodge Charger (529 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 229 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser. (300 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2005 Dodge Charger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser. 2005 Dodge Charger has automatic transmission and 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser has manual transmission. 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Dodge Charger will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser 2005 Dodge Charger
Make Chrysler Dodge
Model PT Cruiser Charger
Year Released 2006 2005
Body Type Hatchback Sedan
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 2148 cc 5654 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 8 cylinders
Engine Type in-line V
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 2 valves
Horse Power 119 HP 340 HP
Engine RPM 4200 RPM 5000 RPM
Torque 300 Nm 529 Nm
Torque RPM 1600 RPM 4000 RPM
Engine Bore Size 88 mm 99.5 mm
Engine Stroke Size 88.3 mm 90.9 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 18.0:1 9.6:1
Fuel Type Diesel Gasoline
Drive Type Front Rear
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 5 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Weight 1873 kg 1828 kg
Vehicle Length 4290 mm 5090 mm
Vehicle Height 1610 mm 1480 mm
Wheelbase Size 2700 mm 3030 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 57 L 72 L