1978 Opel Senator vs. 1998 Proton Perdana
To start off, 1998 Proton Perdana is newer by 20 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Proton Perdana is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Proton Perdana (136 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1978 Opel Senator. (115 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Proton Perdana should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Senator weights approximately 90 kg more than 1998 Proton Perdana.
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, 1998 Proton Perdana, 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, 1998 Proton Perdana (176 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (160 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1998 Proton Perdana will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator. 1998 Proton Perdana 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. 1998 Proton Perdana will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Opel Senator | 1998 Proton Perdana | |
| Make | Opel | Proton |
| Model | Senator | Perdana |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1979 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| 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 | 1245 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2640 mm |
