Drivers Log.(product evaluations of Chrysler PT Cruiser GT and Hyundai Tiburon GT)

2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser GT

Date in fleet: Jan. 13-21 As-tested price: $25,700 Powertrain: 2.4-liter turbocharged I4; fwd, four-speed automatic Hp: 215 @ 5000 rpm Torque: 245 @ 3600 rpm Curb weight: 3182 pounds

HART: Finally this thing has oomph, though I'd like to try it with a five-speed manual. Even with the autostick, you lose torque as things spool up.

I have always appreciated the packaging of the PT. Once you get past the retro exterior look, inside you have an extremely useable vehicle four people can ride in rather comfortably. Plenty of headroom, good leg and shoulder room. If you need to do some light hauling, the manner in which the seats fold down (even the front passenger seat) creates ample space for a fairly large haul of cargo. The major sticking point I had with the car (other than a rather average suspension) was the lack of go power. That was until now. The turbo adds punch to this package to make the PT's performance match its looks.

RAYNAL: Well, well, well... a PT Cruiser I didn't mind driving, and with a sticker price that didn't make me wince. That's rare for me. It all works mostly because the turbocharger helps. It makes the performance acceptable. The turbo fits this engine and car nicely. Power is smooth and linear, though it's not the smoothest four-banger on the market. I mostly liked the way it drove. My only beefs, and they're minor, were that the car was a bit noisy on the freeway runs and the seat cushions felt too short for me.

PT Cruisers still look odd to me, but the 17-inch tires on the Turbo model help it a lot.

GRITZINGER: Here it is, the PT we've been waiting for, the one with a little jump in its step. So how come I'm not more excited? Yes, you get more power-plenty to move this out with authority-but at quite a price (almost $23K base, nearly $26K in this dress). I like PTs in general, and this one in particular for its comfort, convenient packaging, handling and quickness. The brakes are also up to the task. Paint is beautiful, when it's clean. Wheels and tires are perfect for a PT.