1968 Lotus Europa vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 1978 Opel Senator is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Lotus Europa. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Lotus Europa 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 94 more horse power than 1968 Lotus Europa. (76 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 1968 Lotus Europa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Senator weights approximately 730 kg more than 1968 Lotus Europa. 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 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Lotus Europa. (103 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Lotus Europa.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Lotus Europa | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Lotus | Opel |
| Model | Europa | Senator |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1470 cc | 2969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 248 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 6.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1080 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 70 L |
