2003 Opel Vectra vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Opel Vectra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Opel Vectra would be higher. At 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (536 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 384 more horse power than 2003 Opel Vectra. (152 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2003 Opel Vectra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 646 kg more than 2003 Opel Vectra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Mercedes-Benz S 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz S. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (799 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 579 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Opel Vectra. (220 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Opel Vectra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Opel Vectra | 2012 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Opel | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Vectra | S |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2198 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 152 HP | 536 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 799 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1584 kg | 2230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 5250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 3165 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.9 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.1 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 90 L |
