2006 Audi A3 vs. 1996 Vauxhall Carlton
To start off, 2006 Audi A3 is newer by 10 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 158 more horse power than 2006 Audi A3. (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Vauxhall Carlton should accelerate faster than 2006 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Vauxhall Carlton weights approximately 90 kg more than 2006 Audi A3. 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, 2006 Audi A3, 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 250 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Audi A3. (281 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1996 Vauxhall Carlton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Audi A3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Audi A3 | 1996 Vauxhall Carlton | |
| Make | Audi | Vauxhall |
| Model | A3 | Carlton |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 3638 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 355 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 281 Nm | 531 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2740 mm |
