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 2,435 cc (5 cylinders), 1997 Volvo S70 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volvo S70 (162 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1978 Opel Senator. (115 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volvo S70 should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volvo S70 weights approximately 40 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.
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, 1997 Volvo S70 (221 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (160 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1997 Volvo S70 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator. 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 | 1979 cc | 2435 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 162 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.8 mm | 90 mm |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1335 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2670 mm |
