PT vs CALIBER MPG????

[mjb457]

Ok I own a PT but am somewhat interested in a Dodge Caliber..why does the Caliber get way better MPG??? If you go to their site the owners all claim mid 20's to mid 30's easily....!! There are basicly no complaints on gas miledge? Both cares are not airodynamic? Is the technology better,,the Caliber has a CVT trans ..any thoughts on anyone that has both--)-I dont want that their ugly comments) both are wagons and serve the same purpose-cheap transportation,,, but the PT sucks up gas! COMMENTS please...

[lakersfan1]

The Caliber weighs less.

The base engine is a 2.0 liter, instead of 2.4 like ours.

The 2.4 optional engine they have has a full point compression more and variable valve timing. Even with all that tech in thier 2.4, it's only 2 MPG better than ours.

[mjb457]

Thanks for the reply,,so its the 2.0 & CVT,,new technolgy that does it?? Its actually almost 6 MPG better on the highway,,low 30's

[lakersfan1]

Comparing apples to apples ..... A Caliber SXT (which has a similar 2.4 liter engine with the aforementioned VVT and 10.5 compression) and a stick shift has 23 city/29 highway. A 2008 PT Cruiser with a stickshift is rated at 21 city/26 freeway. (My 2007's sticker says 22/29 for the same setup showing how EPA numbers changed in 2008) So it's not a HUGE difference when comparing equivalent cars.

[mjb457]

I would have to agree with you when you compare same engine but,,, but than why didnt the PT go with the lower engine & CVT to increase MPG & maybe even more sales,,,, ??? American Auto Manufactures amaze me... Ford though seems to be on track,,,, I guess the $2.99 gas deal/3 years is pretty ingenious! I love my PT & really feel they have awinner but lets make it really work =bring on the best technogy available!

[lakersfan1]

I think part of what helped the American car companies flourish in the past was not only many different engine types in one car, but also the homoginization of engines in use across all car lines. You could find the car you wanted based on style, then select the engine choice based on your priority of efficiency, power, or a combination of both.

If you look at European car lines, you'll still see this practice employed. For example, the last generation of Renault Clio was available with: 1.2L, 1.4L, 1.6L, and 2.0L gas engines; a 1.9L diesel; and a 3.0L V6 in the top of the line. So the biggest engine available was 250% bigger than the smallest available. Even the PT Cruiser has two additional powertrain options in Europe with the 2.0L gas and a 2.2L diesel in addition to the 2.4 N/A and 2.4 turbo we are limited to.

[lakersfan1]

Originally Posted by mjb457

why didnt the PT go with the lower engine & CVT

A) Most Americans are scared to rev thier engines to the levels usually needed to take advantage of a CVT - even though CVT is far superior technologically and efficiencywise to an automatic

B) Screw CVT or any other transmission that doesn't require you to row gears. It takes the human out of the driving experience. If you're not rowing gears, you might as well take the train or the bus.

[ucantcme]

Originally Posted by mjb457

I would have to agree with you when you compare same engine but,,, but than why didnt the PT go with the lower engine & CVT to increase MPG & maybe even more sales,,,, ??? American Auto Manufactures amaze me... Ford though seems to be on track,,,, I guess the $2.99 gas deal/3 years is pretty ingenious! I love my PT & really feel they have awinner but lets make it really work =bring on the best technogy available!

That's Chrysler

[soonercruiser]

Caliber vs PT??!!
BTW - soonercruiser is a 2006 NA, standard tranny, and does get near 29 mpg highway!