2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser vs. 2002 Toyota Solara
To start off, 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Toyota Solara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Toyota Solara would be higher. At 2,438 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Toyota Solara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Toyota Solara (162 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser. (150 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Toyota Solara should accelerate faster than 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser weights approximately 48 kg more than 2002 Toyota Solara.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2002 Toyota Solara (224 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser. (214 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Toyota Solara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser. 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser has automatic transmission and 2002 Toyota Solara has manual transmission. 2002 Toyota Solara will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser | 2002 Toyota Solara | |
| Make | Chrysler | Toyota |
| Model | PT Cruiser | Solara |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2429 cc | 2438 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 162 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 214 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 101 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1443 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4930 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2680 mm |
