1996 Opel Vectra vs. 1985 Vauxhall Carlton
To start off, 1996 Opel Vectra is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Vauxhall Carlton. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Vauxhall Carlton would be higher. At 1,799 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Opel Vectra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Opel Vectra (114 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1985 Vauxhall Carlton. (89 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Opel Vectra should accelerate faster than 1985 Vauxhall Carlton. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Opel Vectra weights approximately 116 kg more than 1985 Vauxhall Carlton. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1985 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 1985 Vauxhall Carlton. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Opel Vectra, 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 Opel Vectra (170 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Vauxhall Carlton. (143 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Opel Vectra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Vauxhall Carlton. 1985 Vauxhall Carlton has automatic transmission and 1996 Opel Vectra has manual transmission. 1996 Opel Vectra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1985 Vauxhall Carlton will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Opel Vectra | 1985 Vauxhall Carlton | |
| Make | Opel | Vauxhall |
| Model | Vectra | Carlton |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 143 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1266 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1480 mm |
