1971 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 1978 Opel Senator is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 (180 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. (168 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Senator weights approximately 135 kg more than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Opel |
| Model | SL | Senator |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2778 cc | 2969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 248 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2690 mm |
