2008 Audi A3 vs. 1988 Vauxhall Carlton
To start off, 2008 Audi A3 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Vauxhall Carlton. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Vauxhall Carlton would be higher. At 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Audi A3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Audi A3 (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1988 Vauxhall Carlton. (89 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Audi A3 should accelerate faster than 1988 Vauxhall Carlton. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Audi A3 weights approximately 265 kg more than 1988 Vauxhall Carlton. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 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 1988 Vauxhall Carlton. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Audi A3 (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 169 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Vauxhall Carlton. (151 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2008 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Vauxhall Carlton. 2008 Audi A3 has automatic transmission and 1988 Vauxhall Carlton has manual transmission. 1988 Vauxhall Carlton will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Audi A3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Audi A3 | 1988 Vauxhall Carlton | |
| Make | Audi | Vauxhall |
| Model | A3 | Carlton |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1968 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 151 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1415 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2740 mm |
