1978 Opel Senator vs. 2005 Opel Vectra
To start off, 2005 Opel Vectra 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 22 more horse power than 2005 Opel Vectra. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 2005 Opel Vectra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Senator weights approximately 140 kg more than 2005 Opel Vectra. 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 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, 2005 Opel Vectra (321 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (248 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2005 Opel Vectra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Opel Senator | 2005 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | Opel | Opel |
| Model | Senator | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2969 cc | 1909 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 248 Nm | 321 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.1 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.8 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.3 L/100km | 5.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 61 L |
