1978 Opel Senator vs. 2000 Opel Signum
To start off, 2000 Opel Signum is newer by 22 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 2,488 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Opel Senator is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Opel Senator (136 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2000 Opel Signum. (120 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 2000 Opel Signum. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Opel Signum weights approximately 690 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, 2000 Opel Signum, 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 (186 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Opel Signum. (167 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Opel Signum. 1978 Opel Senator has automatic transmission and 2000 Opel Signum has manual transmission. 2000 Opel Signum 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 | 2000 Opel Signum | |
| Make | Opel | Opel |
| Model | Senator | Signum |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2488 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 136 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2640 mm |
