1978 Opel Manta vs. 2004 Rover 45
To start off, 2004 Rover 45 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Opel Manta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Opel Manta would be higher. At 1,997 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Rover 45 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Rover 45 (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1978 Opel Manta. (100 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Rover 45 should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Manta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Rover 45 weights approximately 290 kg more than 1978 Opel Manta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Opel Manta 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 1978 Opel Manta. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Rover 45, 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, 2004 Rover 45 (185 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Manta. (135 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2004 Rover 45 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Manta. 2004 Rover 45 has automatic transmission and 1978 Opel Manta has manual transmission. 1978 Opel Manta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Rover 45 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Opel Manta | 2004 Rover 45 | |
| Make | Opel | Rover |
| Model | Manta | 45 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1979 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
