1991 Vauxhall Carlton vs. 2011 Volvo S40
To start off, 2011 Volvo S40 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Vauxhall Carlton. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Vauxhall Carlton would be higher. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2011 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volvo S40 (227 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1991 Vauxhall Carlton. (114 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1991 Vauxhall Carlton. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volvo S40 weights approximately 344 kg more than 1991 Vauxhall Carlton. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1991 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 1991 Vauxhall Carlton. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Volvo S40, 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, 2011 Volvo S40 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Vauxhall Carlton. (157 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2011 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Vauxhall Carlton. 2011 Volvo S40 has automatic transmission and 1991 Vauxhall Carlton has manual transmission. 1991 Vauxhall Carlton will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Volvo S40 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Vauxhall Carlton | 2011 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Vauxhall | Volvo |
| Model | Carlton | S40 |
| Year Released | 1991 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1235 kg | 1579 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4475 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1453 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2639 mm |
