1966 Ford Zephyr vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 1978 Opel Senator is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Ford Zephyr. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Ford Zephyr would be higher. At 2,992 cc (6 cylinders), 1966 Ford Zephyr is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Opel Senator (177 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1966 Ford Zephyr. (126 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 1966 Ford Zephyr. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Senator weights approximately 155 kg more than 1966 Ford Zephyr. 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 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Ford Zephyr. (235 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Ford Zephyr.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Ford Zephyr | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Zephyr | Senator |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2992 cc | 2969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 235 Nm | 248 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.7 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.4 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.8:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 70 L |
