1982 Buick Electra vs. 1996 Opel Vectra
To start off, 1996 Opel Vectra is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Buick Electra would be higher. At 4,128 cc (6 cylinders), 1982 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Opel Vectra (168 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1982 Buick Electra. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Opel Vectra should accelerate faster than 1982 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Buick Electra weights approximately 466 kg more than 1996 Opel Vectra.
Because 1982 Buick Electra 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 1982 Buick Electra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1982 Buick Electra (278 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Opel Vectra. (230 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1982 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Opel Vectra. 1982 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 1996 Opel Vectra has manual transmission. 1996 Opel Vectra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1982 Buick Electra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Buick Electra | 1996 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | Buick | Opel |
| Model | Electra | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4128 cc | 2498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1224 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1430 mm |
