1978 Opel Senator vs. 2012 Citroen C5
To start off, 2012 Citroen C5 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 2,946 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Citroen C5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Citroen C5 (205 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1978 Opel Senator. (136 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Citroen C5 should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Citroen C5 weights approximately 807 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, 2012 Citroen C5, 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 Citroen C5 (285 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (186 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2012 Citroen C5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator. 1978 Opel Senator has automatic transmission and 2012 Citroen C5 has manual transmission. 2012 Citroen C5 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 | 2012 Citroen C5 | |
| Make | Opel | Citroen |
| Model | Senator | C5 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2488 cc | 2946 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 136 HP | 205 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.8 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 234 km/hour |
| 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 | 1597 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2760 mm |
