2008 BMW M3 vs. 1983 Vauxhall Carlton
To start off, 2008 BMW M3 is newer by 25 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 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 249 more horse power than 1983 Vauxhall Carlton. (89 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1983 Vauxhall Carlton. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW M3 weights approximately 505 kg more than 1983 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, 2008 BMW M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 222 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Vauxhall Carlton. (143 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Vauxhall Carlton. 1983 Vauxhall Carlton has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1983 Vauxhall Carlton will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW M3 | 1983 Vauxhall Carlton | |
| Make | BMW | Vauxhall |
| Model | M3 | Carlton |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 143 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2680 mm |
