2005 Opel Astra vs. 1996 Vauxhall Carlton
To start off, 2005 Opel Astra is newer by 9 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 234 more horse power than 2005 Opel Astra. (121 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Vauxhall Carlton should accelerate faster than 2005 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Vauxhall Carlton weights approximately 340 kg more than 2005 Opel Astra. 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, 2005 Opel Astra, 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 361 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Opel Astra. (170 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1996 Vauxhall Carlton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Opel Astra | 1996 Vauxhall Carlton | |
| Make | Opel | Vauxhall |
| Model | Astra | Carlton |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 3638 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 121 HP | 355 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 531 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2740 mm |
