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MINI Cooper  vs. Chrysler PT Cruiser Review

How the MINI Cooper stacks up against the Chrysler PT Cruiser - by Nigel Cooper, Topanga CA

2009 MINI Cooper
Price Range: $18,050 - $21,950
2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser
Price Range: $15,970 - $24,260
MINI Cooper vs. Chrysler PT Cruiser Review

Cost
The destination charge is a standard charge for transporting the vehicle from its point of origin to the dealer. The MINI Cooper is considerably cheaper to get to the dealership than the Chrysler PT Cruiser. The Chrysler PT Cruiser pales in comparison to the MINI Cooper regarding fuel economy. The Chrysler consumes a lot of gas compared to the MINI. The MINI Cooper will save you money at the pump compared to the Chrysler PT Cruiser. With respect to MSRP, the Chrysler PT Cruiser doesn't cost much less than the Cooper. The Chrysler PT Cruiser is substantially less costly than the MINI Cooper in terms of out-the-door price. The PT Cruiser will cost you a bunch of money in gasoline every year compared to the MINI.

Utility
The MINI Cooper's more sizeable trunk will accommodate more massive objects than the Chrysler. The MINI and the Chrysler can accommodate the same number of passengers.

Convenience
The Chrysler PT Cruiser's fuel tank will need to be replenished a little more often than the unit in the MINI.

Comfort
Taller drivers will considerably enjoy the extra head room in the MINI's front cabin compared to the Chrysler PT Cruiser. The Chrysler provides more head- and leg-room to your passengers than the Cooper does.

Dimensions
Both the MINI Cooper and the Chrysler PT Cruiser are likely to feel slightly sluggish because of their high horsepower-to-weight ratio. The MINI Cooper's tank is about the same size as the Chrysler's, though the Chrysler PT Cruiser's is a bit larger. The Cooper fits in smaller parking spaces than the Chrysler PT Cruiser.

Performance
Both the MINI Cooper and the PT Cruiser are likely to feel slightly sluggish because of their high horsepower-to-weight ratio. With respect to horsepower, the PT Cruiser packs quite a wallop and will knock the Cooper down a few rungs. On the other hand, remember that high horsepower engines often command higher insurance premiums.

Handling
The Chrysler PT Cruiser has considerably wider tires than the MINI. Keep in mind that bigger tires may look and feel better, while narrower tires may improve gas mileage. With its tighter turning radius, the MINI is very likely nimbler than the Chrysler PT Cruiser, something to consider if you do a lot of city driving; on the other hand, keep in mind that a vehicle with a tight turning circle may feel a bit twitchy on the highway.

Drivetrain
The MINI's engine is markedly smaller than the Chrysler's. Remember that a smaller engine usually has to work a little harder; on the flip side, smaller engines are often cheaper to fix. Torque equals pickup, and the Chrysler PT Cruiser will have picked up and gone by the time the MINI Cooper finally gets moving.

Overview
The basic after-sale protection that comes with the PT Cruiser isn't quite as generous as the MINI's.

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