1978 Opel Senator vs. 1983 Renault 5
To start off, 1983 Renault 5 is newer by 5 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, 1983 Renault 5 (160 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1978 Opel Senator. (115 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Renault 5 should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Senator weights approximately 363 kg more than 1983 Renault 5.
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, 1983 Renault 5 (221 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (160 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1983 Renault 5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Opel Senator | 1983 Renault 5 | |
| Make | Opel | Renault |
| Model | Senator | 5 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1979 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.8 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1335 kg | 972 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2440 mm |
