1978 Opel Senator vs. 2012 Mazda 6
To start off, 2012 Mazda 6 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 2,183 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda 6 (127 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1978 Opel Senator. (115 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda 6 weights approximately 215 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 Mazda 6, 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 Mazda 6 (340 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (160 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Opel Senator | 2012 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Opel | Mazda |
| Model | Senator | 6 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1977 cc | 2183 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Top Speed | 175 km/hour | 214 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1335 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4755 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1795 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2789 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 70 L |
