1956 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 1978 Opel Senator is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air would be higher. At 3,869 cc (6 cylinders), 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air (148 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1978 Opel Senator. (136 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Senator.
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, 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air (278 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (186 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Opel |
| Model | Bel Air | Senator |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3869 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.5 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2690 mm |
