1956 Buick 40 vs. 2003 Opel Vectra
To start off, 2003 Opel Vectra is newer by 47 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Buick 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Buick 40 would be higher. At 5,279 cc (8 cylinders), 1956 Buick 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Buick 40 (252 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 2003 Opel Vectra. (209 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 Buick 40 should accelerate faster than 2003 Opel Vectra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Opel Vectra weights approximately 35 kg more than 1956 Buick 40.
Because 1956 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 1956 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, 1956 Buick 40 (462 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Opel Vectra. (300 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1956 Buick 40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Opel Vectra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Buick 40 | 2003 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | Buick | Opel |
| Model | 40 | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5279 cc | 3175 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 252 HP | 209 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 462 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 88 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1800 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2840 mm |
