1981 Saab 900 vs. 1996 Vauxhall Carlton
To start off, 1996 Vauxhall Carlton is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Saab 900. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Saab 900 would be higher. At 3,638 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Vauxhall Carlton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Vauxhall Carlton (355 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 255 more horse power than 1981 Saab 900. (100 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Vauxhall Carlton should accelerate faster than 1981 Saab 900. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Vauxhall Carlton weights approximately 420 kg more than 1981 Saab 900. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 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 1996 Vauxhall Carlton. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Saab 900, 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, 1996 Vauxhall Carlton (531 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 369 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Saab 900. (162 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Vauxhall Carlton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Saab 900.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Saab 900 | 1996 Vauxhall Carlton | |
| Make | Saab | Vauxhall |
| Model | 900 | Carlton |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1985 cc | 3638 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 355 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 162 Nm | 531 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2740 mm |
