1983 Vauxhall Carlton vs. 1986 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1986 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Vauxhall Carlton. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Vauxhall Carlton would be higher. At 2,226 cc (5 cylinders), 1986 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Volkswagen Passat (136 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1983 Vauxhall Carlton. (89 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1983 Vauxhall Carlton. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 10 kg more than 1983 Vauxhall Carlton. 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, 1986 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, 1986 Volkswagen Passat (185 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Vauxhall Carlton. (143 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1986 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Vauxhall Carlton.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Vauxhall Carlton | 1986 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Vauxhall | Volkswagen |
| Model | Carlton | Passat |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2226 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 143 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2630 mm |
