1979 Buick Estate vs. 2004 Opel Vectra
To start off, 2004 Opel Vectra is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Buick Estate. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Buick Estate would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Opel Vectra (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1979 Buick Estate. (138 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Opel Vectra should accelerate faster than 1979 Buick Estate. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Buick Estate weights approximately 660 kg more than 2004 Opel Vectra.
Because 1979 Buick Estate 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 1979 Buick Estate. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 1979 Buick Estate (318 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Opel Vectra. (315 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1979 Buick Estate will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Opel Vectra. 1979 Buick Estate has automatic transmission and 2004 Opel Vectra has manual transmission. 2004 Opel Vectra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Buick Estate will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Buick Estate | 2004 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | Buick | Opel |
| Model | Estate | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 318 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1870 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5510 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2500 mm |
