1986 Vauxhall Carlton Mk III Dimensions, Size & Specs

The Vauxhall Carlton Mk III offers a generous luggage capacity of 520 liters (18.4 cubic feet) with the rear seats in their upright position. This provides ample room for luggage, groceries, or other cargo for everyday use or long trips. When the rear seats are folded down, the luggage capacity increases significantly to 870 liters (30.7 cubic feet), allowing for the transport of bulkier items such as sports equipment or furniture pieces. This flexibility makes the Carlton Mk III practical for a variety of carrying needs, from family vacations to larger haul requirements.

With the side mirrors opened, the Vauxhall Carlton Mk III has a width of 1933 mm (76.1 inches). This is considerably wider than the body width of 1812 mm (71.3 inches) alone. When parking in tight spaces, narrow streets, or standard garage spaces, the mirror width should definitely be taken into account to avoid scrapes or damage. The almost 12 cm (4.7 inches) extra width due to mirrors means that drivers need to be cautious in confined spaces and factor this in during maneuvering and parking.

The Vauxhall Carlton Mk III came with multiple rim sizes catering to different trim levels and performance options. The common rims include 6J x 15 inches, 9.5J x 17 inches, and 8.5J x 17 inches, indicating a progression from standard to sportier or upgraded versions. Corresponding tire sizes that fit these rims include 185/70 R15 for the smaller rims and sportier wider tires such as 265/40 R17 and 235/45 R17 for the larger 17-inch rims. These tire and rim options offered drivers a balance of comfort and performance tailored to their preferences.

The Vauxhall Carlton Mk III measures 4768 mm (187.6 inches) in length, 1812 mm (71.3 inches) in width excluding mirrors, and 1435 mm (56.5 inches) in height. Most standard single-car garages typically measure about 2400 to 3000 mm (94.5 to 118 inches) in width and roughly 5000 mm (196.9 inches) in length. Given these dimensions, the Carlton Mk III will fit lengthwise within a standard garage, though lengthwise clearance may be limited depending on garage size. Width-wise, while the car fits comfortably with mirrors folded, the opened mirror width of 1933 mm (76.1 inches) narrows maneuvering space, so folding mirrors is advisable to avoid scraping walls. Overall, parking the Carlton Mk III in a standard garage is feasible but requires careful positioning.

The Vauxhall Carlton Mk III, produced from 1986 to 1994, represented a significant evolution over the Mk II generation, which was produced from 1978 to 1986. The Mk III is longer, wider, and generally offers a more modern and aerodynamic design compared to the boxier Mk II. With a length of 4768 mm (187.6 inches), the Mk III grew in length, providing more interior space and enhanced comfort for passengers. The width of 1812 mm (71.3 inches) also increased compared to the Mk II, improving road stability and cabin room. Overall, the Mk III's larger size reflected a move towards a more executive car feel with improved passenger comfort and a bigger luggage area, which was an upgrade over the previous generation's dimensions.

The Vauxhall Carlton Mk III falls within the typical size range of executive sedans from the late 1980s and early 1990s. With a length of 4768 mm (187.6 inches) and width of 1812 mm (71.3 inches), it is comparable to vehicles like the BMW 5 Series E34 and Audi 100 C3. For instance, the BMW 5 Series E34 measures around 4710 mm (185.4 inches) in length, slightly shorter but similar in width. European competitors and contemporaries leaned towards similar proportions, balancing interior space and exterior maneuverability. The Carlton's generous luggage capacity also positions it competitively among peers. Overall, it offered a size profile that met or slightly exceeded the segment norms for mid-large executive class sedans of its time.

The Vauxhall Carlton Mk III has a height of 1435 mm (56.5 inches). While exact ground clearance numbers aren't specified here, sedans of this class typically feature moderate ground clearance, balancing ride comfort and ease of entry. The relatively low height contributes to a lower center of gravity, which improves handling and stability at higher speeds. Additionally, the moderate height facilitates easier entry and exit for passengers without requiring excessive stooping or climbing, making it practical for daily use. This balance reflects the car’s design priorities as an executive sedan focusing on comfort combined with responsive driving dynamics.

The Vauxhall Carlton Mk III is built as a solid executive sedan, with construction emphasizing comfort, safety, and durability. While specific weight details aren't provided here, sedans in this category and era typically weigh between 1400 to 1600 kg (3086 to 3527 lbs), depending on engine and trim. This heft contributes to stable and confident road manners but also affects fuel efficiency. The larger dimensions and weight tend to reduce fuel economy compared to smaller cars. However, the car’s design and aerodynamic improvements over predecessors help mitigate some efficiency losses. The balance of weight and performance ensures a comfortable driving experience with sufficient power from available engines while maintaining reasonable fuel consumption for its class.

The Vauxhall Carlton Mk III's notable dimensions—length of 4768 mm (187.6 inches), width of 1812 mm (71.3 inches) not counting mirrors, and opened mirror width of 1933 mm (76.1 inches)—mean it requires consideration in urban daily use. Its length is substantial for navigating tight city streets, narrow lanes, or parking in congested areas. The expanded width with mirrors open demands extra caution in tight spots and narrow parking spaces. Maneuvering in busy urban settings might challenge drivers accustomed to smaller vehicles. Nevertheless, the generously sized cabin and luggage volume add practical benefits, making it a comfortable daily driver for those who prioritize interior space, while requiring awareness during parking and in traffic-congested conditions.