1978 Opel Senator vs. 2012 Land Rover Defender
To start off, 2012 Land Rover Defender 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 57 more horse power than 2012 Land Rover Defender. (120 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 2012 Land Rover Defender. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Land Rover Defender weights approximately 1223 kg more than 1978 Opel Senator.
Because 2012 Land Rover Defender is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Opel Senator. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Land Rover Defender will offer significantly more control. 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 Land Rover Defender (360 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (248 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2012 Land Rover Defender will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Opel Senator | 2012 Land Rover Defender | |
| Make | Opel | Land Rover |
| Model | Senator | Defender |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2969 cc | 2402 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 177 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 248 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.8 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 17.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 2708 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 2030 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 75 L |
