1996 BMW 523 vs. 1996 Opel Vectra
To start off, both 1996 BMW 523 and 1996 Opel Vectra were released in the same year (1996). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 523 (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1996 Opel Vectra. (114 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 1996 Opel Vectra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 523 weights approximately 279 kg more than 1996 Opel Vectra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 BMW 523 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 1996 BMW 523. 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, 1996 BMW 523 (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Opel Vectra. (170 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Opel Vectra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 523 | 1996 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | 523 | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1545 kg | 1266 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1430 mm |
