1978 Opel Senator vs. 2011 Volvo V50
To start off, 2011 Volvo V50 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 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2011 Volvo V50 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volvo V50 (227 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1978 Opel Senator. (136 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volvo V50 should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volvo V50 weights approximately 808 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 Volvo V50, 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 Volvo V50 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (186 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2011 Volvo V50 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Opel Senator | 2011 Volvo V50 | |
Make | Opel | Volvo |
Model | Senator | V50 |
Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2488 cc | 2500 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 136 HP | 227 HP |
Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 186 Nm | 320 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 1500 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1598 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4521 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1770 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1458 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2639 mm |