1978 Opel Senator vs. 2004 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Sharan is newer by 26 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 61 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen Sharan. (109 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Sharan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 305 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, 2004 Volkswagen Sharan, 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 78 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen Sharan. (170 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen Sharan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Opel Senator | 2004 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Senator | Sharan |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2969 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 248 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.1 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.8 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 1645 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.3 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
