1979 Buick Regal vs. 2003 Opel Vectra
To start off, 2003 Opel Vectra is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Buick Regal. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Buick Regal would be higher. At 4,348 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Buick Regal is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Opel Vectra (173 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1979 Buick Regal. (119 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Opel Vectra should accelerate faster than 1979 Buick Regal. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Opel Vectra weights approximately 110 kg more than 1979 Buick Regal. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Buick Regal 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 Regal. 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, 2003 Opel Vectra (370 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Buick Regal. (285 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2003 Opel Vectra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Buick Regal. 1979 Buick Regal has automatic transmission and 2003 Opel Vectra has manual transmission. 2003 Opel Vectra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Buick Regal will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Buick Regal | 2003 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | Buick | Opel |
| Model | Regal | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4348 cc | 2957 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 119 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1495 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2740 mm |
