1981 BMW 525 vs. 2003 Opel Vectra
To start off, 2003 Opel Vectra is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,495 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 525 (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2003 Opel Vectra. (120 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2003 Opel Vectra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Opel Vectra weights approximately 210 kg more than 1981 BMW 525.
Because 1981 BMW 525 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 1981 BMW 525. 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, 1981 BMW 525 (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Opel Vectra. (170 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Opel Vectra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 525 | 2003 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | 525 | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 80.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.6 mm | 88.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.6 seconds | 12.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.2 L/100km | 6.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 11 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 7.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
