1980 Volkswagen Passat vs. 1983 Vauxhall Carlton
To start off, 1983 Vauxhall Carlton is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Vauxhall Carlton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Vauxhall Carlton (89 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (53 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Vauxhall Carlton should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Vauxhall Carlton weights approximately 130 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. 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, 1980 Volkswagen Passat, 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 (143 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (100 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1983 Vauxhall Carlton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Volkswagen Passat | 1983 Vauxhall Carlton | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Vauxhall |
| Model | Passat | Carlton |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 143 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2680 mm |
