1978 Opel Senator vs. 2009 Dodge Nitro
To start off, 2009 Dodge Nitro is newer by 31 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 2,768 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Nitro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Nitro (175 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1978 Opel Senator. (115 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 525 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 2009 Dodge Nitro 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, 2009 Dodge Nitro 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, 2009 Dodge Nitro (460 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 300 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (160 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Opel Senator | 2009 Dodge Nitro | |
| Make | Opel | Dodge |
| Model | Senator | Nitro |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1977 cc | 2768 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.8 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 17.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 175 km/hour | 180 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1335 kg | 1860 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 70 L |
