1978 Opel Senator vs. 2007 Skoda Octavia
To start off, 2007 Skoda Octavia 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 1,977 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Opel Senator is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Skoda Octavia (149 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1978 Opel Senator. (115 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Skoda Octavia should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Skoda Octavia weights approximately 15 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 Skoda Octavia, 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 Skoda Octavia (210 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (160 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2007 Skoda Octavia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Opel Senator | 2007 Skoda Octavia | |
| Make | Opel | Skoda |
| Model | Senator | Octavia |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1977 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.8 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 175 km/hour | 219 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1335 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 55 L |
