1954 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 1978 Opel Senator is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Austin-Healey 100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Austin-Healey 100 would be higher. At 2,660 cc (4 cylinders), 1954 Austin-Healey 100 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Opel Senator (115 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. (90 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Senator weights approximately 390 kg more than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1978 Opel Senator (160 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. (144 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Austin-Healey 100.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Austin-Healey 100 | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Opel |
| Model | 100 | Senator |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2660 cc | 1979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2690 mm |
