1996 Toyota MR2 vs. 1988 Vauxhall Carlton
To start off, 1996 Toyota MR2 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Toyota MR2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Toyota MR2 (173 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1988 Vauxhall Carlton. (89 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 1988 Vauxhall Carlton. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Toyota MR2 weights approximately 85 kg more than 1988 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 Toyota MR2 (186 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Vauxhall Carlton. (151 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1996 Toyota MR2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Vauxhall Carlton.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Toyota MR2 | 1988 Vauxhall Carlton | |
| Make | Toyota | Vauxhall |
| Model | MR2 | Carlton |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 151 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1235 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2740 mm |
