1978 Opel Senator vs. 1990 Pontiac Trans Am
To start off, 1990 Pontiac Trans Am is newer by 12 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 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1990 Pontiac Trans Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Pontiac Trans Am (235 HP) has 55 more horse power than 1978 Opel Senator. (180 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Pontiac Trans Am should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Pontiac Trans Am weights approximately 186 kg more than 1978 Opel Senator. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1990 Pontiac Trans Am (447 Nm) has 199 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (248 Nm). This means 1990 Pontiac Trans Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Opel Senator | 1990 Pontiac Trans Am | |
| Make | Opel | Pontiac |
| Model | Senator | Trans Am |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2969 cc | 5733 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 235 HP |
| Torque | 248 Nm | 447 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1495 kg | 1681 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2570 mm |
