1987 Vauxhall Carlton vs. 2009 Kia Rio

To start off, 2009 Kia Rio is newer by 22 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Vauxhall Carlton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Kia Rio (96 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1987 Vauxhall Carlton. (89 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Kia Rio should accelerate faster than 1987 Vauxhall Carlton. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Kia Rio weights approximately 8 kg more than 1987 Vauxhall Carlton. 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, 2009 Kia Rio, 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, 1987 Vauxhall Carlton (151 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Kia Rio. (132 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1987 Vauxhall Carlton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Kia Rio. 2009 Kia Rio has automatic transmission and 1987 Vauxhall Carlton has manual transmission. 1987 Vauxhall Carlton will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Kia Rio will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1987 Vauxhall Carlton 2009 Kia Rio
Make Vauxhall Kia
Model Carlton Rio
Year Released 1987 2009
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1796 cc 1493 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 89 HP 96 HP
Engine RPM 5200 RPM 5500 RPM
Torque 151 Nm 132 Nm
Torque RPM 3400 RPM 4500 RPM
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline - Premium
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 4 doors 5 doors
Vehicle Weight 1150 kg 1158 kg
Vehicle Length 4690 mm 4250 mm
Vehicle Width 1780 mm 1690 mm
Vehicle Height 1450 mm 1430 mm
Wheelbase Size 2740 mm 2420 mm