1978 Opel Senator vs. 2007 Volkswagen Transporter
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Transporter 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 (170 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 2007 Volkswagen Transporter. (104 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 2007 Volkswagen Transporter. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen Transporter weights approximately 930 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 Transporter, 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 Transporter (250 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (248 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen Transporter 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 Transporter | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Senator | Transporter |
| 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 |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 248 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.1 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.8 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 2270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1940 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 2000 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 3410 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.3 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
