1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 vs. 2003 Opel Vectra
To start off, 2003 Opel Vectra is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 4,972 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 (237 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 2003 Opel Vectra. (173 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 2003 Opel Vectra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Opel Vectra weights approximately 90 kg more than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500.
Because 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 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 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. 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, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 (402 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Opel Vectra. (370 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Opel Vectra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 | 2003 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Opel |
| Model | 500 | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4972 cc | 2957 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 237 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 402 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 226 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1515 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 60 L |
