1978 Opel Senator vs. 1982 Renault 9
To start off, 1982 Renault 9 is newer by 4 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 1,979 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Opel Senator is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Opel Senator (115 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1982 Renault 9. (72 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 1982 Renault 9. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Senator weights approximately 470 kg more than 1982 Renault 9. 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, 1982 Renault 9, 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 (160 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Renault 9. (104 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Renault 9.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Opel Senator | 1982 Renault 9 | |
| Make | Opel | Renault |
| Model | Senator | 9 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1979 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 76.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.8 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1335 kg | 865 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2490 mm |
