Can i use <vector> arrays with "vertex arrays" of opengl?

[engr_tj]

*I am confused if i can use <vector> arrays with vertex arrays in opengl.
<vector> is a class that makes memory handling easy.
My vector arrays are large upto 1000 entries.

And can someone tell me

*Which is the faster way to implement big arrays(vectors, or c like arrays)

*What is the best way to optimize opengl rendering operations(vertex arrays or display list or something else)