1977 Mini MK IV vs. 1983 Vauxhall Carlton
To start off, 1983 Vauxhall Carlton is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Mini MK IV. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Mini MK IV would be higher. At 1,979 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Vauxhall Carlton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Vauxhall Carlton (101 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1977 Mini MK IV. (44 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Vauxhall Carlton should accelerate faster than 1977 Mini MK IV. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Vauxhall Carlton weights approximately 530 kg more than 1977 Mini MK IV. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1983 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 1983 Vauxhall Carlton. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1977 Mini MK IV, 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, 1983 Vauxhall Carlton (156 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Mini MK IV. (76 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1983 Vauxhall Carlton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Mini MK IV. 1983 Vauxhall Carlton has automatic transmission and 1977 Mini MK IV has manual transmission. 1977 Mini MK IV will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1983 Vauxhall Carlton will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Mini MK IV | 1983 Vauxhall Carlton | |
| Make | Mini | Vauxhall |
| Model | MK IV | Carlton |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 1979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 76 Nm | 156 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 645 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3060 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2680 mm |
