1978 Opel Senator vs. 2007 Renault Megane
To start off, 2007 Renault Megane 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 2,488 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Opel Senator is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Renault Megane (221 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1978 Opel Senator. (136 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Renault Megane should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Renault Megane weights approximately 640 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 Renault Megane, 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 Renault Megane (300 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (186 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2007 Renault Megane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator. 1978 Opel Senator has automatic transmission and 2007 Renault Megane has manual transmission. 2007 Renault Megane 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 | 2007 Renault Megane | |
| Make | Opel | Renault |
| Model | Senator | Megane |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2488 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 136 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.8 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 236 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2630 mm |
