1978 Opel Senator vs. 2007 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Polo 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 1,979 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Opel Senator is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volkswagen Polo (129 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1978 Opel Senator. (115 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Senator weights approximately 161 kg more than 2007 Volkswagen Polo.
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 Volkswagen Polo, 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 Volkswagen Polo (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (160 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Opel Senator | 2007 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Senator | Polo |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1979 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.8 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 206 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1335 kg | 1174 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 3920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2470 mm |
