1997 Chevrolet Venture vs. 1978 Opel Manta
To start off, 1997 Chevrolet Venture is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Opel Manta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Opel Manta would be higher. At 3,350 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Chevrolet Venture is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Chevrolet Venture (183 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1978 Opel Manta. (100 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Venture should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Manta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Chevrolet Venture weights approximately 695 kg more than 1978 Opel Manta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Opel Manta 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 1978 Opel Manta. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Venture, 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, 1997 Chevrolet Venture (285 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Manta. (135 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1997 Chevrolet Venture will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Manta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Chevrolet Venture | 1978 Opel Manta | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Opel |
| Model | Venture | Manta |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3350 cc | 1979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 183 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2520 mm |
