1978 Opel Senator vs. 1977 Datsun 280Z
To start off, 1978 Opel Senator is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Datsun 280Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Datsun 280Z would be higher. At 2,753 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 Datsun 280Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Datsun 280Z (150 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1978 Opel Senator. (115 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Datsun 280Z should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Senator weights approximately 31 kg more than 1977 Datsun 280Z.
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, 1977 Datsun 280Z (221 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (160 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1977 Datsun 280Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Opel Senator | 1977 Datsun 280Z | |
| Make | Opel | Datsun |
| Model | Senator | 280Z |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1977 cc | 2753 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.8 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1335 kg | 1304 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4399 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1631 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2304 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 60 L |
