1978 Opel Senator vs. 2012 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Sharan 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 29 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Sharan. (148 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Sharan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 238 kg more than 1978 Opel Senator.
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 Sharan, 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, 1978 Opel Senator (248 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Sharan. (240 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Sharan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Opel Senator | 2012 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Senator | Sharan |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2969 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 177 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 248 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 196 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 1723 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 4854 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1904 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2919 mm |
