1978 Opel Senator vs. 2007 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Sharan 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, 1978 Opel Senator (177 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 2007 Volkswagen Sharan. (129 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 2007 Volkswagen Sharan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 253 kg more than 1978 Opel Senator.
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 Sharan, 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 Sharan (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (248 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen Sharan 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 Sharan | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Senator | Sharan |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2969 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 177 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 248 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.8 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 188 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 1738 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1770 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
