1990 Vauxhall Carlton vs. 2006 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Vauxhall Carlton. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Vauxhall Carlton would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1990 Vauxhall Carlton. (115 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1990 Vauxhall Carlton. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 101 kg more than 1990 Vauxhall Carlton. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 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 1990 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 (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Vauxhall Carlton. (157 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Vauxhall Carlton.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Vauxhall Carlton | 2006 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Vauxhall | Volkswagen |
| Model | Carlton | Golf |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2006 |
| 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 | 115 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1235 kg | 1336 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2580 mm |
