1994 Vauxhall Carlton vs. 1980 Vauxhall Astra
To start off, 1994 Vauxhall Carlton is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Vauxhall Astra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Vauxhall Astra would be higher. At 3,638 cc (6 cylinders), 1994 Vauxhall Carlton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Vauxhall Carlton (355 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 281 more horse power than 1980 Vauxhall Astra. (74 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1994 Vauxhall Carlton should accelerate faster than 1980 Vauxhall Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Vauxhall Carlton weights approximately 745 kg more than 1980 Vauxhall Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1994 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 1994 Vauxhall Carlton. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Vauxhall Astra, 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, 1994 Vauxhall Carlton (531 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 429 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Vauxhall Astra. (102 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1994 Vauxhall Carlton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Vauxhall Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Vauxhall Carlton | 1980 Vauxhall Astra | |
| Make | Vauxhall | Vauxhall |
| Model | Carlton | Astra |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3638 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 355 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 531 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2520 mm |
