Volkswagen Beetle v MINI Cooper v Chrysler PT Cruiser 2007 Comparison

Could it have been a mere fluke of history that the fashion for retro cars gathered momentum in the last few years of 20th century -- the first century of motoring?

As the new millennium grew close, some felt nostalgia for a simpler era. But there were sound marketing imperatives which drove the retro trend, especially the increasing frenzy to define 'brand', the buzz term of the 1990s. What better way of achieving product differentiation than by linking the latest models with those from the past? The New Beetle could only be a Volkswagen product just as the MINI could never be mistaken for, say, a Toyota.

Retro is risky. Some products have been far more successful than others. The Mazda MX-5 doesn't meet the strict definition of retro because Mazda never built anything much like it in the 1950s or 1960s. But anyone who dreamed of a brand new MGB three decades on could settle for a reliable new Japanese alternative and in 1989 the MX-5 began to create its own history.

Holden cashed in on Monaro memories with the Commodore-based new generation coupe for the new century. Ford Australia, from extreme left field, produced the EB and EL Falcon GTs in limited numbers with correspondingly limited appeal. Jaguar, too, tried to rekindle its own past via the 1999 S-Type but failed to hit the sweet spot. Perhaps that was because the 1963 original was a much prettier and more cohesive design. The 1990s also produced the Jeep Wrangler, Volkswagen New Beetle, Chrysler's PT Cruiser and BMW's MINI.

Heading into the new century, designers increasingly dig deep into brand heritage. Witness the astonishing Rolls-Royce Phantom (another creation from the BMW empire) as retro in its way as is the MINI.

For the used car buyer, there are some great opportunities to obtain real retro style at a bargain basement price. Because these cars are highly sought by early adopters, in most cases used prices fall rapidly as demand is met and familiarity dulls appeal.

Initial response to the S-Type was lukewarm, so prices slid swiftly. By contrast, the MINI still retains much of its freshness and this is reflected in sustained high prices. It is now possible to buy a '99 Jaguar that cost $100K new for little more than $30K, while a MINI that cost $33K in 2002 is still worth two-thirds of that sum today. Between these extremes come the Beetle, PT Cruiser and Wrangler, which all earn average marks for resale.

Retro appeal is essentially an urban concept. The New Beetle, MINI Cooper and PT Cruiser are all cars that do their best work in Prahran or Double Bay rather than Coober Pedy. Of course, they are functional, but function follows form rather than vice-versa.

All three combine reasonable rather than outstanding levels of performance with unique cool but only the Chrysler can claim much true practicality. The three are very different but which one will suit you best?

VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE: for more New Beetle reviews click

It took more than four years to move from the Concept 1 shown in 1994 to the production version of the New Beetle. Nonetheless initial demand was very strong.

Beneath its evocative styling, the car is pure Golf and there is little wrong with that. Significantly, sales began in Australia right at the end of 1999 and the first cars all used the torquey 85kW 2.0-litre Golf engine. The 1.6 was offered later.

Like the Golf on which it is based, the Beetle is not a sporty car to drive but it performs adequately, is very economical, and steers well.

Unlike the Golf, it is only minimally practical with less luggage space than the 1930s model which inspired this piece of retro. Again, owners don't care. Built in Mexico, its quality is not brilliant but it’s not bad either. The interior contains some lovely design elements.

With the fading of the first flush of New Beetlemania, prices have settled to the point where a 2000-2001 New Beetle cost no more than its Golf GLE 2.0 equivalent to give buyers far more style for their money.

MINI COOPER: for more MINI Cooper reviews click

The Cooper S, with far more performance and a heftier pricetag arrived later in the same year. Essentially, these two variants of the MINI theme appeal to different buyer groups. The Cooper buyer might possibly consider one of the other two retro cars discussed here, but the Cooper S buyer wants 'hot hatch' factor along with his or her retro style.

Although the Cooper is a great little car to drive with go-kart handling and steering, it provides surprisingly little performance. The Cooper's 85kW matches the New Beetle but there is little torque to talk of from the buzzy little 1.6-litre engine. There is also a paucity of space for rear seat passenger or luggage.

Even more than the Volkswagen, BMW's MINI is about style and being cool. Hence the bewildering scope for customisation, all the way from a Union Jack bedecked roof through sports seats and a multiplicity of alloy wheels to sports suspension.

Because the original 1959 Mini was radical with its transversely mounted front engine and front-wheel drive, along with wheel-at-each-corner design, this car can claim a retro authenticity that goes beyond styling. (To read about Team MINI CarPoint's 2006 competition year click

CHRYSLER PT CRUISER: for more PT Cruiser reviews click

The PT Cruiser was a consummate exercise in branding, combining strong American DNA with a very practical design. Customisers have loved it ever since and there are numerous clubs dedicated to this unique car. Lowered suspension, huge wheels, wild paintjobs and custom interiors tell this tale, where high performance is largely seen as irrelevant.

Although the PT Cruiser is mainly about making a statement of style, it also serves as a rational alternative to softroaders such as the Honda CR-V and Nissan X-Trail. Its phenomenally versatile interior enables conversion from five-seater to one-seater van in minutes.

Like the VW and the MINI, it offers modest performance with good fuel economy. Like the Beetle, it is built in Mexico to quite a good level of quality.

Despite its cult appeal, the retro Chrysler has suffered on resale to the point where a good 2000 Classic can now be purchased for about $14K and the lavishly equipped Limited variant for $15,500. By contrast a same-age Beetle will command at least $16,500 and a 2002 Cooper $21,000.

AND SO TO CARPOINT'S PICKS OF THE BUNCH...

Provided you can accept average performance and an engine that has little enthusiast appeal, you will love every moment behind the wheel. The steering is really sharp and communicative and the MINI really does have much of that 'chuckability' feeling of the original, despite being so much larger.

The sensible choice:
You don't choose a retro car for practical reasons, which makes this a difficult call.

Count the MINI out but the Chrysler's fantastic interior versatility keeps it competitive. The fact that the Volkswagen is essentially a Golf in glamorous drag gives it an edge in this company.

A very high level of safety and quite good dynamics combine with its distinctive exterior and interior styling to make it the sensible choice, especially as it now costs no more than the sensible-shoes Golf. Here is a lot of brand value for not much money.