1978 Opel Senator vs. 2007 Opel Vectra
To start off, 2007 Opel Vectra is newer by 29 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, 2007 Opel Vectra (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1978 Opel Senator. (170 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Opel Vectra should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Opel Vectra weights approximately 265 kg more than 1978 Opel Senator. 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, 2007 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, 2007 Opel Vectra (370 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (248 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2007 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 | 2007 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | Opel | Opel |
| Model | Senator | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2969 cc | 2958 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 248 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.1 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.8 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.0:1 | 18.5:1 |
| 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 | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.3 L/100km | 7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 61 L |
