1996 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1983 Vauxhall Carlton
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Vauxhall Carlton. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Vauxhall Carlton would be higher. At 4,195 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (275 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 174 more horse power than 1983 Vauxhall Carlton. (101 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1983 Vauxhall Carlton. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 815 kg more than 1983 Vauxhall Carlton. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 Mercedes-Benz S (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 244 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Vauxhall Carlton. (156 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Vauxhall Carlton.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | 1983 Vauxhall Carlton | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Vauxhall |
| Model | S | Carlton |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4195 cc | 1979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 275 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 156 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 95.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 69.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1990 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1480 mm |
