1978 Opel Senator vs. 2008 Suzuki SX4
To start off, 2008 Suzuki SX4 is newer by 30 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, 2008 Suzuki SX4 (118 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1978 Opel Senator. (115 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Suzuki SX4 should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Suzuki SX4 weights approximately 123 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 2008 Suzuki SX4 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Opel Senator. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Suzuki SX4 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2008 Suzuki SX4 (280 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (160 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2008 Suzuki SX4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Opel Senator | 2008 Suzuki SX4 | |
| Make | Opel | Suzuki |
| Model | Senator | SX4 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1979 cc | 1910 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.8 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 180 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1335 kg | 1458 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2510 mm |
