1978 Opel Senator vs. 1980 Opel Ascona
To start off, 1980 Opel Ascona is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Opel Senator. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Opel Senator 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 113 more horse power than 1980 Opel Ascona. (57 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 1980 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Senator weights approximately 330 kg more than 1980 Opel Ascona. 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 138 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Opel Ascona. (110 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Opel Ascona.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Opel Senator | 1980 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | Opel | Opel |
| Model | Senator | Ascona |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2969 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 57 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 248 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.1 mm | 86.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.8 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.0:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.3 L/100km | 7.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 50 L |
