1978 Opel Senator vs. 1997 Volvo S70
To start off, 1997 Volvo S70 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 2,969 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Opel Senator is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Opel Senator (177 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1997 Volvo S70. (124 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 1997 Volvo S70. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volvo S70 weights approximately 168 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, 1997 Volvo S70, 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 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volvo S70. (171 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volvo S70. 1997 Volvo S70 has automatic transmission and 1978 Opel Senator has manual transmission. 1978 Opel Senator will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Volvo S70 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Opel Senator | 1997 Volvo S70 | |
| Make | Opel | Volvo |
| Model | Senator | S70 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2969 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 177 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 248 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.8 mm | 77 mm |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 1653 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 68 L |
