1986 Mazda 323 vs. 1994 Vauxhall Carlton
To start off, 1994 Vauxhall Carlton is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mazda 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mazda 323 would be higher. At 3,638 cc (6 cylinders), 1994 Vauxhall Carlton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Vauxhall Carlton (355 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 302 more horse power than 1986 Mazda 323. (53 HP @ 6800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Vauxhall Carlton should accelerate faster than 1986 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Vauxhall Carlton weights approximately 740 kg more than 1986 Mazda 323. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1994 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 1994 Vauxhall Carlton. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Mazda 323, 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, 1994 Vauxhall Carlton (531 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 451 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Mazda 323. (80 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1994 Vauxhall Carlton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Mazda 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Mazda 323 | 1994 Vauxhall Carlton | |
| Make | Mazda | Vauxhall |
| Model | 323 | Carlton |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1994 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1071 cc | 3638 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 355 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 531 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 860 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2740 mm |
