1978 Opel Senator vs. 1988 Alfa Romeo 164
To start off, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 is newer by 10 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 (180 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1988 Alfa Romeo 164. (123 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 1988 Alfa Romeo 164. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Senator weights approximately 5 kg more than 1988 Alfa Romeo 164. 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, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164, 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, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 (294 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (248 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator. 1978 Opel Senator has automatic transmission and 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 has manual transmission. 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 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 | 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 | |
| Make | Opel | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Senator | 164 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2969 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 248 Nm | 294 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.9 seconds | 10.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1495 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 44 L | 70 L |
