1978 Opel Senator vs. 2007 Opel Zafira
To start off, 2007 Opel Zafira 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 2,198 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Opel Zafira is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Opel Zafira (148 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1978 Opel Senator. (115 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Opel Zafira should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Opel Zafira weights approximately 260 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 Zafira, 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 Zafira (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (160 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2007 Opel Zafira will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator. 2007 Opel Zafira has automatic transmission and 1978 Opel Senator has manual transmission. 1978 Opel Senator will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Opel Zafira will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Opel Senator | 2007 Opel Zafira | |
| Make | Opel | Opel |
| Model | Senator | Zafira |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1979 cc | 2198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.8 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1335 kg | 1595 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2700 mm |
