1978 Opel Senator vs. 2012 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen GTI 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, 2012 Volkswagen GTI (232 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1978 Opel Senator. (177 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen GTI should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Senator weights approximately 84 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen GTI.
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 Volkswagen GTI, 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 Volkswagen GTI (300 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (248 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen GTI will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Opel Senator | 2012 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Senator | GTI |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2969 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 177 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 248 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 246 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 1401 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
