1978 Opel Senator vs. 2002 Holden Cruze
To start off, 2002 Holden Cruze is newer by 24 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 105 more horse power than 2002 Holden Cruze. (72 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 2002 Holden Cruze. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Senator weights approximately 500 kg more than 2002 Holden Cruze. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 Holden Cruze is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Opel Senator. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Holden Cruze will offer significantly more control. 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 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Holden Cruze. (138 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Holden Cruze. 2002 Holden Cruze 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. 2002 Holden Cruze will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Opel Senator | 2002 Holden Cruze | |
| Make | Opel | Holden |
| Model | Senator | Cruze |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2969 cc | 1490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 177 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 248 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 985 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 3630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2370 mm |
