1996 Vauxhall Carlton vs. 2001 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2001 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Vauxhall Carlton. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Vauxhall Carlton would be higher. At 3,638 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Vauxhall Carlton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Vauxhall Carlton (355 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 281 more horse power than 2001 Volkswagen Polo. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Vauxhall Carlton should accelerate faster than 2001 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Vauxhall Carlton weights approximately 640 kg more than 2001 Volkswagen Polo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 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 1996 Vauxhall Carlton. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen Polo, 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 Vauxhall Carlton (531 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 402 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Volkswagen Polo. (129 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1996 Vauxhall Carlton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Volkswagen Polo. 2001 Volkswagen Polo has automatic transmission and 1996 Vauxhall Carlton has manual transmission. 1996 Vauxhall Carlton will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Volkswagen Polo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Vauxhall Carlton | 2001 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Vauxhall | Volkswagen |
| Model | Carlton | Polo |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3638 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 355 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 531 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2520 mm |
