2006 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2003 Opel Vectra
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 3 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 4,261 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz S (275 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 2003 Opel Vectra. (173 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2003 Opel Vectra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 377 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 2006 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 2006 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz S (400 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Opel Vectra. (270 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Opel Vectra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz S | 2003 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Opel |
| Model | S | Vectra |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4261 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 275 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1887 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3090 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.2 L/100km | 6.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14 L/100km | 12.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.4 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 61 L |
