1978 Opel Senator vs. 2011 Kia Forte
To start off, 2011 Kia Forte 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 2,969 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Opel Senator is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Opel Senator (180 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 2011 Kia Forte. (156 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 2011 Kia Forte. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Senator weights approximately 257 kg more than 2011 Kia Forte. 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 Kia Forte, 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 (248 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Kia Forte. (195 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Kia Forte. 1978 Opel Senator has automatic transmission and 2011 Kia Forte has manual transmission. 2011 Kia Forte 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 Kia Forte | |
| Make | Opel | Kia |
| Model | Senator | Forte |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2969 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 248 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 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 | 1495 kg | 1238 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4529 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1775 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1461 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2649 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 44 L | 52 L |
