| Owner's Opinion Column |
LeBaron vs. Sebring
The 2001 model year will mark the first time since the 1993 LeBaron that Chrysler has offered a Coupe, Sedan and Convertible in a single model year all bearing the same nameplate. As in 1993 two different platforms are being employed to create the complete body-style range. For the LeBaron, the J-body platform supplied the Coupe and Convertible, while the A-body platform rounded out the line-up providing the Sedan. For Sebring the FJ-body supplies the Coupe, while the JA-body supplies the Sedan and Convertible.
At first glance these two model 'families' would seem to have a lot in common. Chrysler would appear to be targeting former LeBaron owners looking to replace their aging vehicles. However, as the sub-title to this article implies, has the Sport-Luxury of the past given way to the Luxury-Sport of the present? Let us start by examining the powertrain choices of both the previous LeBaron, and today’s Sebring.
The LeBarons, dating back to 1987, came with essentially three engine choices. Chrysler built 2.2L/2.5L I4’s, which could be naturally aspirated or turbocharged and a Mitsubishi built 3.0L V6. Depending on the model and year the Coupes and Convertibles could be equipped with either a manual or automatic transmission, while the Sedan got an automatic. Sebring engine choices are the Mitsubishi built 2.4L I4 or 3.0L V6 in the Coupe, the Chrysler built 2.4L I4 or 2.7L V6 in the Sedan, and the Chrysler built 2.7L V6 in the Convertible. A manual transmission is available on the Coupe along with an automatic and the semi-manual AutoStick®, while the Sedan and Convertible do not get the manual.
The power range for the LeBaron was anywhere between 100-174hp depending on engine choice, with most getting either the 141hp horsepower 3.0L Mitsubishi V6 or one of the 150-174hp Chrysler 2.2L/2.5L I4 Turbos. By comparison Sebring powerplants output 142hp with the Mitsubishi I4, 150hp with the Chrysler I4 and 200hp with either V6. In reality power numbers are on par between the two models when you omit the LeBaron's 100hp T.B.I. I4, which disappeared after 1989 and Sebring's 200hp V6's which are new for 2001. That leaves the LeBaron at between 141-174hp and the Sebring's through 2000 at 142-168hp. In any case, both the old LeBaron and today’s 2001 Sebring reward drivers with the kind of spirited performance you would expect from a coupe/convertible or sport sedan.
Now many people will be quick to point out the increased level of refinement you’ll find in a V6 Sebring vs. the brawny turbo LeBarons. This point can not be argued. It is clearly the direction Chrysler wished to take their Coupe/Convertible/Sedan offering. The trend began in the mid 90’s with the final few model years of the LeBaron no longer being available with turbocharged engines or manual transmissions. So the ultimate question is, did Chrysler do the right thing?
Being a LeBaron GTC Turbo Coupe owner myself I did feel a little left behind by the initially offered Sebrings. A manual transmission (AutoStick® doesn’t count) was only available on the LX (base) Coupe mated to a 140hp 2.0L Mitsubishi I4. That meant giving up 10hp, 78 lb-ft of torque and having to purchase option packages to equate to the LeBaron's GTC trim level. The 2001 Sebring Coupe, on the other hand, with its 200hp V6 and 5-speed manual is the closest match to date to the LeBaron GT/GTC Coupes of the past. I applaud Chrysler returning to a true Sport-Luxury philosophy with the 2001 Sebring Coupe, even if it is more Mitsubishi than Mopar. That said I don’t plan to part with my LeBaron anytime soon. It’s in great shape and still provides a thrilling driving experience along with more than nine years of trouble free service.
Reader Comments
Good article ...... been restoring an '88 LeBaron Turbo Coupe ... almost done with the exception of the digital trip/clock computer ........ Also own a 98 Sebring LXi and 98 Dodge Avenger ES, so I can totally agree with your comments ..... all great cars. As you can guess, A MOPAR fan!!
As an owner of a modified (now dead) 94 GTC and a 2001 Eclipse (Sebring is of course the same) I would have to say they are both fun cars to drive. Fit and finish are about the same, the new ones are faster and don't feel so heavy even though they weigh more. The LeBarons are more luxury while the Eclipse (Sebring) is more sport. IMHO
SC
Webmaster's note: The 2001 Sebring/Eclipse benefits from a 200hp V6 (not previously available) giving them a perfomance edge. Nice to hear that '94 fit and finish is on par with a 2001 model.
I agree. My 89 GTC Convertible, 2.2 intercooled turbo with 5 spd manual is a joy to drive. Definitely a sport-luxury. It has all those quirks in handling, noise, and feel that make it unique.
Frank
I like the LeBaron better. I have a 1991 LeBaron convertible with the 3.0L
V6. I bought it used three and a half years ago and have had little trouble
with it. The car, Lucy to me, now has only 79600 miles. The Sebrings are
pretty with the top up but are too long in the front with the top down. Don't
get me wrong--I like the Sebring line but the LeBaron is much more sporty and
I absolutely love to drive my LeBaron. The car is 10 years old and I still
have people say to me "that's a pretty car" thanks.
Rnwagoneer
Very good article. I own 2 LeBaron convertables 88 w/turbo and a 92 w/3.0L.
My daughter has a 90 coupe w/3.0L. All 3 are great running vehicles and have
more than enough power to merge into heavy freeway traffic. I work at a
Chrysler dealer and have driven many Sebrings. They are a little more refined
but don't seem to have the the same pep as the LeBarons. I think they weigh
more than the LeBaron. My wife and I are happy with the LeBarons (hers is the
92). Maybe in the future we will replace the 92 with a Sebring. I never want
to part with the 88. To sum it all up, Mopar makes the best sport/luxury
convertables!
MDASmig
First off, great site, I've been looking for information on Chrysler's engines. As for the Sebring vs LeBaron, I'm highly partial to the 'Baron's. I own
an 86 2.5L convertible, and as high maintenance as it is, I wouldn't trade it for a top of the line Sebring. I've driven Miatas, Eclipses, Corolla Sports,
Humvee's(not the civilian Hummers) but nothing compares to the joys of driving my Baron with the top down, or taking her on the beach. I am currently putting all my spare dollars, and a few that aren't, into the restoration, as she will be 20 soon, and I want her in better shape then when I bought her used. It's hands down, LeBaron, they are sweet cars.
Michael Collins
Having never driven a Sebring, I can not speak of it and sound educated on the matter, but I can speak with some authority on the 1989 Chrysler Turbo GTC Coupes. My family currently owns a red GTC, which we have had from new, and a white one, which we had just bought at auction for $350. The red one has never had any major work done on it, and it is getting ready to turn over 120,000 miles. The white one, however needs some bodywork, but the engine (with over 120,000 miles) does not show any signs of having any major work done on it. We bought this one as a non-running car, and we brought it home, and all it needed was a good jump start. It turned over twice, and fired on the thir go around (not bad for a car that had probably not been driven in months). Right now I am in the process of restoring both of these mean machines, and am looking out for a black one to finish up the trio of variations on the GTC coupe for 1989 (which there were less than 300 made for that model year).
Christian
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