1978 Opel Senator vs. 2003 Vauxhall Vectra
To start off, 2003 Vauxhall Vectra 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 1,977 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Opel Senator is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Vauxhall Vectra (121 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1978 Opel Senator. (115 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Vauxhall Vectra should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Senator weights approximately 50 kg more than 2003 Vauxhall Vectra.
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, 2003 Vauxhall 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, 2003 Vauxhall Vectra (167 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (160 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2003 Vauxhall Vectra 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 Vauxhall Vectra has manual transmission. 2003 Vauxhall Vectra 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 Vauxhall Vectra | |
| Make | Opel | Vauxhall |
| Model | Senator | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1977 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 121 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1335 kg | 1285 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2710 mm |
