2003 Buick Regal vs. 1996 Opel Vectra
To start off, 2003 Buick Regal is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Opel Vectra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Opel Vectra would be higher. At 3,789 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Buick Regal is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Buick Regal (197 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1996 Opel Vectra. (81 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Buick Regal should accelerate faster than 1996 Opel Vectra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Buick Regal weights approximately 385 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Buick Regal (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Opel Vectra. (168 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2003 Buick Regal will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Opel Vectra. 2003 Buick Regal 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. 2003 Buick Regal will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Buick Regal | 1996 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | Buick | Opel |
| Model | Regal | Vectra |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3789 cc | 1686 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1430 mm |
