2008 BMW M3 vs. 1996 Vauxhall Carlton
To start off, 2008 BMW M3 is newer by 12 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 16 more horse power than 2008 BMW M3. (339 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Vauxhall Carlton should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Vauxhall Carlton weights approximately 30 kg more than 2008 BMW M3. 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, 1996 Vauxhall Carlton (531 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW M3. (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1996 Vauxhall Carlton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW M3 | 1996 Vauxhall Carlton | |
| Make | BMW | Vauxhall |
| Model | M3 | Carlton |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 3638 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 339 HP | 355 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 531 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2740 mm |
