1978 Opel Senator vs. 2005 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2005 Opel Meriva is newer by 27 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 89 more horse power than 2005 Opel Meriva. (81 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 2005 Opel Meriva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Senator weights approximately 130 kg more than 2005 Opel Meriva. 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, 2005 Opel Meriva, 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 97 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Opel Meriva. (151 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Opel Meriva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Opel Senator | 2005 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Opel | Opel |
| Model | Senator | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2969 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 248 Nm | 151 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.1 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.8 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.3 L/100km | 7.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 52 L |
