2012 Mazda 3 vs. 1984 Vauxhall Carlton
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Vauxhall Carlton. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Vauxhall Carlton would be higher. At 2,260 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Vauxhall Carlton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda 3 (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1984 Vauxhall Carlton. (70 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1984 Vauxhall Carlton.
Because 1984 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 1984 Vauxhall Carlton. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 3, 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, 2012 Mazda 3 (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Vauxhall Carlton. (135 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Vauxhall Carlton. 1984 Vauxhall Carlton has automatic transmission and 2012 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2012 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1984 Vauxhall Carlton will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Mazda 3 | 1984 Vauxhall Carlton | |
| Make | Mazda | Vauxhall |
| Model | 3 | Carlton |
| Year Released | 2012 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2000 cc | 2260 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 5-speed manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1755 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1471 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2639 mm | 2680 mm |
