How old? This seems to be a recent change. Here is a PDF of the difference. You can see the new one (on the right) has a cap that covers the entire element and relies solely on air getting around the filter. That cap blocks off most of the stock air tube though. It also has a narrower core.
http://www.fram.com/pdf/CA7730.pdf
I looked around, came across some similar complaints on a PT cruiser forum. Just called fram and left a message.
