1987 Vauxhall Carlton vs. 2006 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Vauxhall Carlton. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Vauxhall Carlton would be higher. At 2,969 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Vauxhall Carlton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Vauxhall Carlton (175 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. (128 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Vauxhall Carlton should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Vauxhall Carlton weights approximately 32 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. 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, 2006 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Vauxhall Carlton. (240 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Vauxhall Carlton.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Vauxhall Carlton | 2006 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Vauxhall | Volkswagen |
| Model | Carlton | Golf |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2969 cc | 1894 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1386 kg | 1354 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2520 mm |
