1978 Opel Senator vs. 1994 Holden Nova
To start off, 1994 Holden Nova is newer by 16 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 66 more horse power than 1994 Holden Nova. (114 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 1994 Holden Nova. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Senator weights approximately 365 kg more than 1994 Holden Nova. 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, 1994 Holden Nova, 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 (248 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Holden Nova. (155 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Holden Nova.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Opel Senator | 1994 Holden Nova | |
| Make | Opel | Holden |
| Model | Senator | Nova |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1994 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2969 cc | 1761 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 248 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1495 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2470 mm |
