1978 Opel Senator vs. 2011 Honda Civic
To start off, 2011 Honda Civic 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 Honda Civic (140 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1978 Opel Senator. (136 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Honda Civic weights approximately 429 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 Honda Civic, 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, 1978 Opel Senator (186 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Honda Civic. (173 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Honda Civic. 1978 Opel Senator has automatic transmission and 2011 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 2011 Honda Civic 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 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Opel | Honda |
| Model | Senator | Civic |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2488 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 136 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| 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 | 1219 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4503 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1753 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1435 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2700 mm |
