1982 Austin Ambassador vs. 1987 Vauxhall Carlton
To start off, 1987 Vauxhall Carlton is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Austin Ambassador. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Austin Ambassador would be higher. At 2,260 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Vauxhall Carlton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Vauxhall Carlton (101 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1982 Austin Ambassador. (83 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Vauxhall Carlton should accelerate faster than 1982 Austin Ambassador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Vauxhall Carlton weights approximately 115 kg more than 1982 Austin Ambassador. 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, 1982 Austin Ambassador, 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 (194 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Austin Ambassador. (131 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1987 Vauxhall Carlton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Austin Ambassador.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Austin Ambassador | 1987 Vauxhall Carlton | |
| Make | Austin | Vauxhall |
| Model | Ambassador | Carlton |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1698 cc | 2260 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 194 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1205 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2740 mm |
