2004 BMW 525 vs. 2003 Opel Vectra
To start off, 2004 BMW 525 is newer by 1 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 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 2 more horse power than 2004 BMW 525. (174 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Opel Vectra should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 525 weights approximately 70 kg more than 2003 Opel Vectra.
Because 2004 BMW 525 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 2004 BMW 525. 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, 2004 BMW 525 (410 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Opel Vectra. (370 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Opel Vectra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 525 | 2003 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | 525 | Vectra |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2958 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 174 HP | 176 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 410 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.1 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1660 kg | 1590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1510 mm |
