1978 Opel Senator vs. 1971 Renault 12
To start off, 1978 Opel Senator is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Renault 12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Renault 12 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 127 more horse power than 1971 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 1971 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Senator weights approximately 545 kg more than 1971 Renault 12. 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, 1971 Renault 12, 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 152 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Renault 12. 1978 Opel Senator has automatic transmission and 1971 Renault 12 has manual transmission. 1971 Renault 12 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Opel Senator will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Opel Senator | 1971 Renault 12 | |
Make | Opel | Renault |
Model | Senator | 12 |
Year Released | 1978 | 1971 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2969 cc | 1289 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 180 HP | 53 HP |
Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
Torque | 248 Nm | 96 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1495 kg | 950 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4410 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1640 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1460 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2450 mm |