1978 Opel Senator vs. 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara
To start off, 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara 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 2,969 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Opel Senator is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Opel Senator (177 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara. (164 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Senator weights approximately 190 kg more than 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1978 Opel Senator (248 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara. (225 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara. 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara has automatic transmission and 1978 Opel Senator has manual transmission. 1978 Opel Senator will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Opel Senator | 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara | |
| Make | Opel | Suzuki |
| Model | Senator | Grand Vitara |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2969 cc | 2393 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 177 HP | 164 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 248 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.8 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 1295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1700 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 66 L |
