1978 Opel Senator vs. 1984 Opel Kadett
To start off, 1984 Opel Kadett is newer by 6 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 (177 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1984 Opel Kadett. (90 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 1984 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Senator weights approximately 535 kg more than 1984 Opel Kadett. 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, 1984 Opel Kadett, 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 124 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Opel Kadett. (124 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Opel Senator | 1984 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Opel | Opel |
| Model | Senator | Kadett |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2969 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 177 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 248 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 80.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.8 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 4010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2520 mm |
