1954 DKW Coupe vs. 1985 Vauxhall Carlton
To start off, 1985 Vauxhall Carlton is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 DKW Coupe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 DKW Coupe would be higher. At 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Vauxhall Carlton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Vauxhall Carlton (89 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1954 DKW Coupe. (34 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Vauxhall Carlton should accelerate faster than 1954 DKW Coupe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Vauxhall Carlton weights approximately 271 kg more than 1954 DKW Coupe. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1985 Vauxhall Carlton is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1985 Vauxhall Carlton. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1954 DKW Coupe, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1985 Vauxhall Carlton (143 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 DKW Coupe. (69 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1985 Vauxhall Carlton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 DKW Coupe. 1985 Vauxhall Carlton has automatic transmission and 1954 DKW Coupe has manual transmission. 1954 DKW Coupe will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1985 Vauxhall Carlton will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 DKW Coupe | 1985 Vauxhall Carlton | |
| Make | DKW | Vauxhall |
| Model | Coupe | Carlton |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 903 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 69 Nm | 143 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 879 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2680 mm |
