1998 Ford Focus vs. 1983 Vauxhall Carlton
To start off, 1998 Ford Focus is newer by 15 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 1,988 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Focus (128 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1983 Vauxhall Carlton. (89 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1983 Vauxhall Carlton. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Vauxhall Carlton weights approximately 4 kg more than 1998 Ford Focus.
Because 1983 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 1983 Vauxhall Carlton. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Ford Focus, 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, 1998 Ford Focus (160 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Vauxhall Carlton. (143 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Vauxhall Carlton.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Focus | 1983 Vauxhall Carlton | |
| Make | Ford | Vauxhall |
| Model | Focus | Carlton |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 143 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1146 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2680 mm |
