1978 Opel Senator vs. 2011 Scion xD
To start off, 2011 Scion xD 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, 1978 Opel Senator (136 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2011 Scion xD. (128 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 2011 Scion xD. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Scion xD weights approximately 401 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 Scion xD, 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 17 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Scion xD. (169 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Scion xD. 1978 Opel Senator has automatic transmission and 2011 Scion xD has manual transmission. 2011 Scion xD 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 Scion xD | |
| Make | Opel | Scion |
| Model | Senator | xD |
| 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 | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1191 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 3929 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1725 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1509 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2461 mm |
