1978 Opel Senator vs. 1986 Renault 21
To start off, 1986 Renault 21 is newer by 8 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 2,488 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Opel Senator is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Opel Senator (136 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1986 Renault 21. (75 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 1986 Renault 21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Renault 21 weights approximately 165 kg more than 1978 Opel Senator.
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, 1986 Renault 21, 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 (186 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Renault 21. (129 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Renault 21. 1978 Opel Senator has automatic transmission and 1986 Renault 21 has manual transmission. 1986 Renault 21 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Opel Senator will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Opel Senator | 1986 Renault 21 | |
| Make | Opel | Renault |
| Model | Senator | 21 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2488 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 136 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.8 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 176 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2670 mm |
