1992 Vauxhall Carlton vs. 1980 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1992 Vauxhall Carlton is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1992 Vauxhall Carlton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Vauxhall Carlton (114 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Golf. (49 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 Vauxhall Carlton should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 Vauxhall Carlton weights approximately 485 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1992 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 1992 Vauxhall Carlton. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 1992 Vauxhall Carlton (157 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Golf. (79 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1992 Vauxhall Carlton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 Vauxhall Carlton | 1980 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Vauxhall | Volkswagen |
| Model | Carlton | Golf |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 79 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2410 mm |
