1978 Opel Senator vs. 1986 Saab 90
To start off, 1986 Saab 90 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 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Saab 90 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Opel Senator (115 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1986 Saab 90. (100 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 1986 Saab 90. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Senator weights approximately 225 kg more than 1986 Saab 90. 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, 1986 Saab 90, 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, 1986 Saab 90 (163 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (160 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1986 Saab 90 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Opel Senator | 1986 Saab 90 | |
| Make | Opel | Saab |
| Model | Senator | 90 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1977 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 163 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.8 mm | 78 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1335 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2470 mm |
