1978 Opel Senator vs. 1988 Saab 900
To start off, 1988 Saab 900 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 2,488 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Opel Senator is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Opel Senator (136 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1988 Saab 900. (101 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 1988 Saab 900. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Saab 900 weights approximately 390 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, 1988 Saab 900, 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 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Saab 900. (162 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Saab 900.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Opel Senator | 1988 Saab 900 | |
| Make | Opel | Saab |
| Model | Senator | 900 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2488 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 136 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.8 mm | 78 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2530 mm |
