1978 Opel Senator vs. 1997 Seat Marbella
To start off, 1997 Seat Marbella is newer by 19 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 1,977 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Opel Senator is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Opel Senator (115 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1997 Seat Marbella. (40 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 1997 Seat Marbella. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Senator weights approximately 655 kg more than 1997 Seat Marbella. 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, 1997 Seat Marbella, 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 (160 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Seat Marbella. (60 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Seat Marbella. 1978 Opel Senator has automatic transmission and 1997 Seat Marbella has manual transmission. 1997 Seat Marbella 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 | 1997 Seat Marbella | |
| Make | Opel | Seat |
| Model | Senator | Marbella |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1977 cc | 903 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 60 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1335 kg | 680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 3480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2170 mm |
