1981 Vauxhall Astra vs. 1987 Vauxhall Carlton
To start off, 1987 Vauxhall Carlton is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Vauxhall Astra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Vauxhall Astra would be higher. At 2,969 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Vauxhall Carlton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Vauxhall Carlton (175 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1981 Vauxhall Astra. (59 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Vauxhall Carlton should accelerate faster than 1981 Vauxhall Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Vauxhall Carlton weights approximately 546 kg more than 1981 Vauxhall Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1987 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 1987 Vauxhall Carlton. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Vauxhall Astra, 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, 1987 Vauxhall Carlton (240 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Vauxhall Astra. (88 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1987 Vauxhall Carlton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Vauxhall Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Vauxhall Astra | 1987 Vauxhall Carlton | |
| Make | Vauxhall | Vauxhall |
| Model | Astra | Carlton |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1196 cc | 2969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 88 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 840 kg | 1386 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2740 mm |
