1978 Opel Senator vs. 2005 Scion xA
To start off, 2005 Scion xA 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 (180 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 2005 Scion xA. (106 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 2005 Scion xA. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Senator weights approximately 425 kg more than 2005 Scion xA. 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 Scion xA, 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 106 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Scion xA. (142 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Scion xA. 1978 Opel Senator has automatic transmission and 2005 Scion xA has manual transmission. 2005 Scion xA 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 | 2005 Scion xA | |
| Make | Opel | Scion |
| Model | Senator | xA |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2969 cc | 1495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 248 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.1 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.8 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1495 kg | 1070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 3920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2380 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 44 L | 45 L |
