1978 Opel Senator vs. 2007 Volvo S60
To start off, 2007 Volvo S60 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 Volvo S60 (168 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1978 Opel Senator. (136 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volvo S60 should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volvo S60 weights approximately 711 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 Volvo S60, 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 Volvo S60 (230 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (186 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2007 Volvo S60 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Opel Senator | 2007 Volvo S60 | |
| Make | Opel | Volvo |
| Model | Senator | S60 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2488 cc | 2435 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 136 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.8 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1501 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2720 mm |
