2003 Opel Vectra vs. 1978 Renault 5
To start off, 2003 Opel Vectra is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Renault 5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Renault 5 would be higher. At 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Opel Vectra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Renault 5 (158 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 2003 Opel Vectra. (123 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Renault 5 should accelerate faster than 2003 Opel Vectra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Opel Vectra weights approximately 418 kg more than 1978 Renault 5.
Because 1978 Renault 5 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 Renault 5. 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, 1978 Renault 5 (221 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Opel Vectra. (162 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1978 Renault 5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Opel Vectra. 2003 Opel Vectra has automatic transmission and 1978 Renault 5 has manual transmission. 1978 Renault 5 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Opel Vectra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Opel Vectra | 1978 Renault 5 | |
| Make | Opel | Renault |
| Model | Vectra | 5 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 162 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.5 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.2 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 972 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 56 L |
