1978 Opel Senator vs. 1998 Toyota Carina
To start off, 1998 Toyota Carina 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 (180 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1998 Toyota Carina. (106 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 1998 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Senator weights approximately 350 kg more than 1998 Toyota Carina. 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, 1998 Toyota Carina, 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 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Toyota Carina. (136 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Toyota Carina. 1978 Opel Senator has automatic transmission and 1998 Toyota Carina has manual transmission. 1998 Toyota Carina 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 | 1998 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Opel | Toyota |
| Model | Senator | Carina |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2969 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 248 Nm | 136 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.1 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.8 mm | 70 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1495 kg | 1145 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1420 mm |
