1978 Opel Senator vs. 2011 Ford Mondeo
To start off, 2011 Ford Mondeo 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 2,488 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Opel Senator is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Ford Mondeo (143 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1978 Opel Senator. (136 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ford Mondeo should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Ford Mondeo weights approximately 579 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, 2011 Ford Mondeo, 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 Ford Mondeo (190 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (186 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2011 Ford Mondeo 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 Ford Mondeo has manual transmission. 2011 Ford Mondeo 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 Ford Mondeo | |
| Make | Opel | Ford |
| Model | Senator | Mondeo |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2488 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 136 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1369 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2760 mm |
