1978 Opel Senator vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf 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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1978 Opel Senator. (115 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 38 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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (160 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Opel Senator | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Senator | Golf |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1977 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.8 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 175 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1335 kg | 1373 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 55 L |
