1978 Opel Senator vs. 2003 Volvo S40
To start off, 2003 Volvo S40 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 2,969 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Opel Senator is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Opel Senator (170 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 2003 Volvo S40. (138 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 2003 Volvo S40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volvo S40 weights approximately 98 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, 2003 Volvo S40, 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 (248 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volvo S40. (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volvo S40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Opel Senator | 2003 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Opel | Volvo |
| Model | Senator | S40 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2969 cc | 2327 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 248 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 1438 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 62 L |
