2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser vs. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser would be higher. At 2,427 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser (141 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (140 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser weights approximately 465 kg more than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 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 (214 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Chrysler | Mazda |
| Model | PT Cruiser | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2427 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 214 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 101 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 195 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.3 seconds | 8.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.8 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 57 L | 50 L |
