2006 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1986 Vauxhall Carlton
To start off, 2006 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Vauxhall Carlton. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Vauxhall Carlton would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Vauxhall Carlton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 139 more horse power than 1986 Vauxhall Carlton. (89 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1986 Vauxhall Carlton. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 278 kg more than 1986 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, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Vauxhall Carlton. (144 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Vauxhall Carlton. 1986 Vauxhall Carlton has automatic transmission and 2006 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2006 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Vauxhall Carlton will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda RX-8 | 1986 Vauxhall Carlton | |
| Make | Mazda | Vauxhall |
| Model | RX-8 | Carlton |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1428 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2680 mm |
