1978 Opel Senator vs. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159
To start off, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 34 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 (177 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 2012 Alfa Romeo 159. (118 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 2012 Alfa Romeo 159. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 165 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, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159, 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, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 (281 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (248 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 has automatic transmission and 1978 Opel Senator has manual transmission. 1978 Opel Senator will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Opel Senator | 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 | |
| Make | Opel | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Senator | 159 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2969 cc | 1910 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 177 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 248 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.8 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
