1961 Fiat 1500 vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 1978 Opel Senator is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Fiat 1500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Fiat 1500 would be higher. At 2,969 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Opel Senator is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Opel Senator (170 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1961 Fiat 1500. (57 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 1961 Fiat 1500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Senator weights approximately 435 kg more than 1961 Fiat 1500. 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 (248 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 165 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Fiat 1500. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Fiat 1500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Fiat 1500 | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Fiat | Opel |
| Model | 1500 | Senator |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1221 cc | 2969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 248 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 95.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 6.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 905 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 37 L | 70 L |
