1951 Buick 40 vs. 2003 Opel Vectra
To start off, 2003 Opel Vectra is newer by 52 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Buick 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Buick 40 would be higher. At 4,066 cc (8 cylinders), 1951 Buick 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Opel Vectra (153 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1951 Buick 40. (119 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Opel Vectra should accelerate faster than 1951 Buick 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1951 Buick 40 weights approximately 125 kg more than 2003 Opel Vectra.
Because 1951 Buick 40 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 1951 Buick 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Opel Vectra, 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, 1951 Buick 40 (292 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Opel Vectra. (229 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1951 Buick 40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Opel Vectra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Buick 40 | 2003 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | Buick | Opel |
| Model | 40 | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1951 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4066 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 119 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 292 Nm | 229 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 104.8 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1635 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1800 mm |
