2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser vs. 2012 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2012 Lotus Elise is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser would be higher. At 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser. (114 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lotus Elise 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 529 kg more than 2012 Lotus Elise.
Because 2012 Lotus Elise 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 2012 Lotus Elise. 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, 2012 Lotus Elise (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser. (157 Nm @ 4550 RPM). This means 2012 Lotus Elise 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 | 2012 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Chrysler | Lotus |
| Model | PT Cruiser | Elise |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4550 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| 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 | 912 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 57 L | 44 L |
