1996 Audi A3 vs. 1988 Vauxhall Carlton
To start off, 1996 Audi A3 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Vauxhall Carlton. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Vauxhall Carlton would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Vauxhall Carlton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Audi A3 (151 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1988 Vauxhall Carlton. (89 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Audi A3 should accelerate faster than 1988 Vauxhall Carlton. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Vauxhall Carlton weights approximately 10 kg more than 1996 Audi A3.
Because 1988 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 1988 Vauxhall Carlton. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Audi A3, 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, 1996 Audi A3 (210 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Vauxhall Carlton. (151 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1996 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Vauxhall Carlton.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Audi A3 | 1988 Vauxhall Carlton | |
| Make | Audi | Vauxhall |
| Model | A3 | Carlton |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1781 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 151 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 151 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2740 mm |
