1978 Opel Senator vs. 1989 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1989 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 11 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 2,827 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Pontiac Firebird (133 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1978 Opel Senator. (115 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Senator.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1989 Pontiac Firebird (224 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (160 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1989 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Opel Senator | 1989 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Opel | Pontiac |
| Model | Senator | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1979 cc | 2827 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.8 mm | 75.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2580 mm |
