1978 Opel Senator vs. 2012 Jaguar XJ
To start off, 2012 Jaguar XJ 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 5,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Jaguar XJ is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Jaguar XJ (510 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 374 more horse power than 1978 Opel Senator. (136 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Jaguar XJ should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Jaguar XJ weights approximately 1152 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 Jaguar XJ (624 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 438 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (186 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2012 Jaguar XJ will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Opel Senator | 2012 Jaguar XJ | |
| Make | Opel | Jaguar |
| Model | Senator | XJ |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2488 cc | 5000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 136 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 624 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1942 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 5127 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1895 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1456 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 3032 mm |
