1989 Vauxhall Carlton vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Vauxhall Carlton. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Vauxhall Carlton would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (114 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1989 Vauxhall Carlton. (89 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1989 Vauxhall Carlton. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 132 kg more than 1989 Vauxhall Carlton. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 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 1989 Vauxhall Carlton. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Vauxhall Carlton. (151 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Vauxhall Carlton.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Vauxhall Carlton | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Vauxhall | Volkswagen |
| Model | Carlton | Golf |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 151 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1152 kg | 1284 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 |
