1979 Ford LTD 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 Ford LTD. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford LTD would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Ford LTD is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Opel Vectra (176 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1979 Ford LTD. (129 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Opel Vectra should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford LTD. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Opel Vectra weights approximately 30 kg more than 1979 Ford LTD. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Ford LTD 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 Ford LTD. 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 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford LTD. (302 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2003 Opel Vectra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford LTD. 1979 Ford LTD 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 Ford LTD will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford LTD | 2003 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | LTD | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2958 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 176 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 302 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.7 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1510 mm |
