1978 Opel Senator vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz E 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 44 more horse power than 2011 Mercedes-Benz E. (136 HP @ 2600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 2011 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 240 kg more than 1978 Opel Senator.
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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz E (360 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (248 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Opel Senator | 2011 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Opel | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Senator | E |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2969 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Torque | 248 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 16.2:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.9 seconds | 9.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1495 kg | 1735 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 44 L | 80 L |
