1985 Vauxhall Carlton vs. 2009 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Vauxhall Carlton. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Vauxhall Carlton would be higher. At 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Vauxhall Carlton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Polo (104 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1985 Vauxhall Carlton. (89 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1985 Vauxhall Carlton. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 97 kg more than 1985 Vauxhall Carlton. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1985 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 1985 Vauxhall Carlton. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 2009 Volkswagen Polo (153 Nm @ 300 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Vauxhall Carlton. (143 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Vauxhall Carlton. 2009 Volkswagen Polo has automatic transmission and 1985 Vauxhall Carlton has manual transmission. 1985 Vauxhall Carlton will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Volkswagen Polo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Vauxhall Carlton | 2009 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Vauxhall | Volkswagen |
| Model | Carlton | Polo |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 143 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 1247 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 3920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1660 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2470 mm |
