1978 Opel Senator vs. 1998 Saab 05-Sep
To start off, 1998 Saab 05-Sep 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 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 9 more horse power than 1998 Saab 05-Sep. (168 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 1998 Saab 05-Sep. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Saab 05-Sep weights approximately 65 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, 1998 Saab 05-Sep, 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 Saab 05-Sep (281 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (248 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1998 Saab 05-Sep will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Opel Senator | 1998 Saab 05-Sep | |
| Make | Opel | Saab |
| Model | Senator | 05-Sep |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2969 cc | 2290 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 177 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 248 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.8 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 75 L |
