1988 Citroen BX vs. 1986 Vauxhall Carlton
To start off, 1988 Citroen BX is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Vauxhall Carlton. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Vauxhall Carlton would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Vauxhall Carlton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Vauxhall Carlton (89 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1988 Citroen BX. (62 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Vauxhall Carlton should accelerate faster than 1988 Citroen BX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Vauxhall Carlton weights approximately 256 kg more than 1988 Citroen BX. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1986 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 1986 Vauxhall Carlton. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Citroen BX, 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 Vauxhall Carlton (144 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Citroen BX. (109 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1986 Vauxhall Carlton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Citroen BX.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Citroen BX | 1986 Vauxhall Carlton | |
| Make | Citroen | Vauxhall |
| Model | BX | Carlton |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1360 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 109 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 894 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2680 mm |
