2001 BMW 520 vs. 2003 Opel Vectra
To start off, 2003 Opel Vectra is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,958 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Opel Vectra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Opel Vectra (176 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2001 BMW 520. (167 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Opel Vectra should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW 520 weights approximately 80 kg more than 2003 Opel Vectra.
Because 2001 BMW 520 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 2001 BMW 520. 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, 2003 Opel Vectra (370 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Opel Vectra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 520 | 2003 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | 520 | Vectra |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 2958 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 176 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1510 mm |
