1977 Ford Fiesta vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 1978 Opel Senator is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Ford Fiesta 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 125 more horse power than 1977 Ford Fiesta. (45 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 1977 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Senator weights approximately 590 kg more than 1977 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Opel Senator is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1978 Opel Senator. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1977 Ford Fiesta, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 180 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Ford Fiesta. (68 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Ford Fiesta | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Fiesta | Senator |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 957 cc | 2969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 248 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 95.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 55.7 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 6.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3650 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 70 L |
