1978 Opel Senator vs. 2011 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2011 Toyota Highlander 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Toyota Highlander (270 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1978 Opel Senator. (170 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 590 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 Toyota Highlander, 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 Toyota Highlander (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (248 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2011 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Opel Senator | 2011 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Opel | Toyota |
| Model | Senator | Highlander |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2969 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 248 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 1930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2789 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 73 L |
