1978 Opel Senator vs. 2011 Citroen C3
To start off, 2011 Citroen C3 is newer by 33 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 1,977 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Opel Senator is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Opel Senator (115 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2011 Citroen C3. (108 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 2011 Citroen C3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Citroen C3 weights approximately 73 kg more than 1978 Opel Senator.
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, 2011 Citroen C3, 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, 2011 Citroen C3 (245 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (160 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2011 Citroen C3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator. 1978 Opel Senator has automatic transmission and 2011 Citroen C3 has manual transmission. 2011 Citroen C3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Opel Senator will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Opel Senator | 2011 Citroen C3 | |
| Make | Opel | Citroen |
| Model | Senator | C3 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1977 cc | 1560 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 75.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.8 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1335 kg | 1408 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 50 L |
