Which Opel Vectra Version Should You Buy?
The choice depends on whether you value low fuel consumption, strong acceleration, or a simpler Gasoline engine. Among the listed Liftback versions, the clearest economy choice is the third-generation 1.9 MT with 101 hp, rated at 5.7 l/100 km combined. The performance choice is the restyled third-generation 2.8 MT with 250 hp, which reaches 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds and 250 km/h.
The choice depends on whether you value low fuel consumption, strong acceleration, or a simpler Gasoline engine. Among the listed Liftback versions, the clearest economy choice is the third-generation 1.9 MT with 101 hp, rated at 5.7 l/100 km combined. The performance choice is the restyled third-generation 2.8 MT with 250 hp, which reaches 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds and 250 km/h. For a middle ground, the restyled third-generation 1.8 MT with 140 hp combines 7.2 l/100 km with a 10.7-second acceleration time. All listed versions are FWD.
Opel Vectra generations: what changed?
The data divides the Opel Vectra into five catalogue entries but three numbered generations, because restyling is part of its respective generation.
The first generation ran from October 1988 to September 1995 as a Liftback, with 53 versions in the catalogue. Its listed engines range from the 1.6 MT with 71 hp to the 2.0 MT with 115 hp. The available data shows 4-cylinder Inline engines, 5-speed Manual or 4-speed Automatic transmissions, a 61-litre tank, and 140 mm of ground clearance.
The second generation ran from October 1995 to May 2000 as a Liftback, with 37 versions. Its listed choices broaden from the 1.6 MT with 75 hp to the 2.5 MT and 2.5 AT with 170 hp. The restyled second generation ran from January 1999 to April 2003 and contains 42 catalogue versions. Its listed range includes the 1.6 MT and 1.6 AT with 100 hp, the 2.6 MT with 170 hp, and the Diesel 2.0 MT with 101 hp. Ground clearance remains 140 mm, while the fuel tank is 60 litres.
The third generation ran from February 2002 to January 2007 as a Liftback, with 49 versions. The listed engines span the Diesel 2.0 MT with 100 hp through the Gasoline 3.2 MT with 211 hp. Its restyling ran from June 2005 to January 2009 and also contains 49 catalogue versions. The restyled range includes the 1.6 MT with 105 hp, the Diesel 1.9 MT with 101 hp, and several turbocharged 2.8 AT and 2.8 MT versions producing 230 or 250 hp. Most listed third-generation versions use 6-speed or 5-speed transmissions, the tank holds 61 litres, and ground clearance is generally 130 mm in the restyled cars.
Opel Vectra engine specs
Exact duplicate names are distinguished by output and generation.
| Generation | Version | hp | Nm | Capacity | Fuel | Cylinders | Layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First | 1.4 MT | 75 | 110 | 1389 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| First | 1.6 MT (71 hp) | 71 | 128 | 1598 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| First | 1.6 MT (75 hp) | 75 | 125 | 1598 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| First | 1.6 MT (82 hp) | 82 | 130 | 1598 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| First | 1.8 MT (88 hp) | 88 | 143 | 1796 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| First | 1.8 AT (88 hp) | 88 | 143 | 1796 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| First | 1.8 MT (90 hp) | 90 | 145 | 1796 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| First | 1.8 AT (90 hp) | 90 | 145 | 1796 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| First | 2.0 AT (100 hp) | 100 | 158 | 1998 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| First | 2.0 MT (100 hp) | 100 | 158 | 1998 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| First | 2.0 MT (115 hp) | 115 | 170 | 1998 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| First | 2.0 AT (115 hp) | 115 | 170 | 1998 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second | 1.6 MT (75 hp) | 75 | 128 | 1598 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Second | 1.6 MT (101 hp) | 101 | 150 | 1598 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Second | 1.8 MT | 116 | 170 | 1796 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Second | 1.8 AT | 116 | 170 | 1796 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second | 2.5 MT | 170 | 230 | 2498 cc | Gasoline | 6 | V-shaped | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Second | 2.5 AT | 170 | 230 | 2498 cc | Gasoline | 6 | V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second | 1.7 MT | 82 | 168 | 1686 cc | Diesel | 4 | Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Second | 2.0 MT (82 hp) | 82 | 185 | 1995 cc | Diesel | 4 | Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Second | 2.0 MT (101 hp) | 101 | 230 | 1995 cc | Diesel | 4 | Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Second | 1.6 AT | 101 | 150 | 1598 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second | 2.0 MT (136 hp) | 136 | 188 | 1998 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Second | 2.0 AT | 136 | 188 | 1998 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second, restyling | 1.6 MT | 100 | 150 | 1598 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Second, restyling | 1.6 AT | 100 | 150 | 1598 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second, restyling | 1.8 MT (116 hp) | 116 | 170 | 1796 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Second, restyling | 1.8 AT (116 hp) | 116 | 170 | 1796 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second, restyling | 1.8 MT (125 hp) | 125 | 170 | 1796 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Second, restyling | 1.8 AT (125 hp) | 125 | 170 | 1796 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second, restyling | 2.0 MT (136 hp) | 136 | 188 | 1998 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Second, restyling | 2.0 AT | 136 | 188 | 1998 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second, restyling | 2.2 MT | 147 | 203 | 2198 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Second, restyling | 2.2 AT | 147 | 203 | 2198 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second, restyling | 2.6 MT | 170 | 230 | 2597 cc | Gasoline | 6 | V-shaped | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Second, restyling | 2.0 MT (101 hp) | 101 | 205 | 1995 cc | Diesel | 4 | Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Third | 1.8 MT | 122 | 167 | 1796 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Third | 2.0 MT (175 hp) | 175 | 265 | 1998 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Third | 2.2 MT (147 hp) | 147 | 203 | 2198 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Third | 2.2 MT (155 hp) | 155 | 220 | 2198 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Third | 2.2 AT (155 hp) | 155 | 220 | 2198 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | No | 5-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Third | 3.2 MT | 211 | 300 | 3175 cc | Gasoline | 6 | V-shaped | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Third | 1.9 MT (120 hp) | 120 | 280 | 1910 cc | Diesel | 4 | Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Third | 1.9 MT (150 hp) | 150 | 315 | 1910 cc | Diesel | 4 | Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Third | 1.9 AT | 150 | 320 | 1910 cc | Diesel | 4 | Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Third | 2.0 MT (100 hp) | 100 | 230 | 1995 cc | Diesel | 4 | Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Third | 2.2 MT (125 hp) | 125 | 280 | 2172 cc | Diesel | 4 | Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Third | 2.2 AT (125 hp) | 125 | 280 | 2172 cc | Diesel | 4 | Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Third, restyling | 1.6 MT | 105 | 150 | 1598 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Third, restyling | 1.8 MT | 140 | 175 | 1796 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Third, restyling | 2.0 MT | 175 | 265 | 1998 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Third, restyling | 2.2 MT | 155 | 220 | 2198 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Third, restyling | 2.8 AT (230 hp) | 230 | 330 | 2792 cc | Gasoline | 6 | V-shaped | Turbo | 6-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Third, restyling | 2.8 MT (250 hp) | 250 | 350 | 2792 cc | Gasoline | 6 | V-shaped | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Third, restyling | 3.0 MT | 184 | 400 | 2958 cc | Diesel | 6 | V-shaped | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Third, restyling | 1.8 MTA | 140 | 175 | 1796 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | No | 5-speed Robotic | FWD |
| Third, restyling | 2.8 AT (250 hp) | 250 | 350 | 2792 cc | Gasoline | 6 | V-shaped | Turbo | 6-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Third, restyling | 2.2 AT | 155 | 220 | 2198 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | No | 5-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Third, restyling | 2.8 MT (230 hp) | 230 | 330 | 2792 cc | Gasoline | 6 | V-shaped | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Third, restyling | 1.9 MT | 101 | 260 | 1910 cc | Diesel | 4 | Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
Performance and fuel economy
For maximum performance, the restyled third-generation 2.8 MT with 250 hp is the leading listed version: 0–100 km/h in 6.9 seconds, 250 km/h, and 10.3 l/100 km combined. The 2.8 AT with 250 hp is 0.4 seconds slower to 100 km/h, reaches the same 250 km/h, and also records 10.3 l/100 km combined. The 2.8 MT with 230 hp takes 7.3 seconds and uses 11.2 l/100 km combined; the 2.8 AT with 230 hp takes 7.7 seconds, while its consumption is not measured.
A strong but less extreme alternative is the third-generation 2.0 MT with 175 hp. Both the original and restyled versions reach 100 km/h in 9.1 seconds and 230 km/h. Restyling reduces the listed combined consumption from 8.9 to 8.6 l/100 km, a difference of 0.3 l/100 km.
For economy, the third-generation 1.9 MT with 120 hp uses 5.7 l/100 km combined, while the 1.9 MT with 150 hp uses 5.8 l/100 km. The restyled 1.9 MT with 101 hp also records 5.7 l/100 km but takes 13.3 seconds to reach 100 km/h. The 120 hp version takes 11.5 seconds, so it is 1.8 seconds quicker with the same combined consumption.
Where a source field is absent—including consumption for several Automatic and early versions—the value is not measured, rather than zero.
Opel Vectra weight, ground clearance, tank and wheel sizes
Weight matters when comparing engines. The first-generation 1.4 MT has a kerb weight of 1005 kg and 75 hp, or 13.4 kg per hp. The second-generation 1.6 MT with 75 hp weighs 1185 kg, or 15.8 kg per hp. The restyled third-generation 2.8 MT with 250 hp weighs 1495 kg, or 6.0 kg per hp, explaining its much stronger power-to-weight position.
For a balanced later car, the restyled 1.8 MT with 140 hp weighs 1375 kg, equal to 9.8 kg per hp. The 2.0 MT with 175 hp weighs 1435 kg, or 8.2 kg per hp. Its additional 60 kg buys 35 hp and 90 Nm, cutting the 0–100 km/h time from 10.7 to 9.1 seconds.
Gross weights among the highlighted restyled third-generation choices range from 1885 kg for the 1.6 MT to 2125 kg for the 3.0 MT. Ground clearance is 140 mm for the listed first- and second-generation versions, while the restyled third-generation versions have 130 mm. Fuel-tank capacity is 60 litres for the second generation and 61 litres for the first and third generations. Wheel sizes are not measured for every listed version.
Which Opel Vectra should you choose?
Choose the restyled third-generation 1.8 MT with 140 hp for the strongest numerical compromise among the listed Gasoline versions. It provides 175 Nm, 10.7-second acceleration, 210 km/h, and 7.2 l/100 km combined. The mechanically comparable 1.8 MTA records the same power, torque, acceleration, top speed, consumption, and weights, so the choice between them is specifically 5-speed Manual versus 5-speed Robotic.
Choose the third-generation 1.9 MT with 120 hp for Diesel economy. It matches the 5.7 l/100 km combined figure of the restyled 101 hp version while delivering 19 hp and 20 Nm more and reaching 100 km/h 1.8 seconds sooner.
Choose the restyled third-generation 2.0 MT with 175 hp when performance matters but 2.8-litre consumption does not appeal. Compared with the 1.8 MT with 140 hp, it adds 35 hp and 90 Nm, improves acceleration by 1.6 seconds, and raises top speed by 20 km/h, while combined consumption rises by 1.4 l/100 km.
Choose the restyled third-generation 2.8 MT with 250 hp for outright acceleration. It has the best listed 0–100 km/h result and shares the highest listed top speed. If Automatic is essential, the 2.8 AT with 250 hp sacrifices 0.4 seconds to 100 km/h without changing the listed combined consumption.
For an older second-generation car, the restyled 1.8 MT with 125 hp is the more efficient of the two listed 125 hp transmissions on acceleration: it reaches 100 km/h in 10.5 seconds against 12 seconds for the 1.8 AT with 125 hp, while both record 7.6 l/100 km combined. For the first generation, the 2.0 MT with 115 hp is the clearest measured performance choice, reaching 100 km/h in 10.5 seconds and 198 km/h while using 7.1 l/100 km combined.
The data does not include prices, condition, equipment, reliability records, or Opel Vectra problems. Those factors are therefore not measured here. On specifications alone, the 1.9 MT with 120 hp, 1.8 MT with 140 hp, 2.0 MT with 175 hp, and 2.8 MT with 250 hp form the most distinct economy, balance, fast-road, and maximum-performance choices.