1978 Opel Senator vs. 2003 TVR Chimaera
To start off, 2003 TVR Chimaera is newer by 25 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 4,546 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 TVR Chimaera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 TVR Chimaera (282 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 1978 Opel Senator. (115 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 TVR Chimaera should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Senator weights approximately 275 kg more than 2003 TVR Chimaera.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2003 TVR Chimaera (306 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (160 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2003 TVR Chimaera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator. 1978 Opel Senator has automatic transmission and 2003 TVR Chimaera has manual transmission. 2003 TVR Chimaera 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 | 2003 TVR Chimaera | |
| Make | Opel | TVR |
| Model | Senator | Chimaera |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1977 cc | 4546 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 306 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.8 mm | 82 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1335 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2290 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 57 L |
