2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser vs. 1988 Toyota Carina
To start off, 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Toyota Carina would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Toyota Carina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Toyota Carina (158 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser. (114 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Toyota Carina 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 409 kg more than 1988 Toyota Carina.
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, 1988 Toyota Carina (190 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser. (157 Nm @ 4550 RPM). This means 1988 Toyota Carina 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 | 1988 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Chrysler | Toyota |
| Model | PT Cruiser | Carina |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4550 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.8 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1441 kg | 1032 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1320 mm |
