2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser vs. 2003 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Nissan Altima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Nissan Altima would be higher. At 2,488 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Nissan Altima (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser. (141 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Nissan Altima 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 583 kg more than 2003 Nissan Altima.
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, 2003 Nissan Altima (231 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser. (214 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser. 2003 Nissan Altima has automatic transmission and 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser has manual transmission. 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Nissan Altima will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser | 2003 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Chrysler | Nissan |
| Model | PT Cruiser | Altima |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2427 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 214 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 101 mm | 100 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1873 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 57 L | 73 L |
