1978 Opel Senator vs. 2002 Opel Vectra
To start off, 2002 Opel Vectra 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 2,198 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Opel Vectra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Opel Vectra (125 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1978 Opel Senator. (115 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Opel Vectra should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Opel Vectra weights approximately 30 kg more than 1978 Opel Senator. 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, 2002 Opel Vectra, 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, 2002 Opel Vectra (280 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (160 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2002 Opel Vectra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Opel Senator | 2002 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | Opel | Opel |
| Model | Senator | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1979 cc | 2198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.8 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 206 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1335 kg | 1365 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2500 mm |
