2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser vs. 1978 Lancia Stratos
To start off, 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Lancia Stratos. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Lancia Stratos would be higher. At 2,419 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Lancia Stratos is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Lancia Stratos (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser. (114 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Lancia Stratos should accelerate faster than 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser weights approximately 461 kg more than 1978 Lancia Stratos.
Because 1978 Lancia Stratos 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 1978 Lancia Stratos. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 1978 Lancia Stratos (225 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser. (157 Nm @ 4550 RPM). This means 1978 Lancia Stratos will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser | 1978 Lancia Stratos | |
| Make | Chrysler | Lancia |
| Model | PT Cruiser | Stratos |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2419 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4550 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 176 km/hour | 225 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 | 1441 kg | 980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 3710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2190 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.7 L/100km | 10.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 57 L | 80 L |
