1983 Vauxhall Carlton vs. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit
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 Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit 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 50 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (51 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Vauxhall Carlton should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Vauxhall Carlton weights approximately 305 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. 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 Rabbit, 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 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1983 Vauxhall Carlton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Vauxhall Carlton | 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Vauxhall | Volkswagen |
| Model | Carlton | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1979 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.3 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2410 mm |
