1978 Opel Senator vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 35 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 5,500 cc (12 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz S (503 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 367 more horse power than 1978 Opel Senator. (136 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1420 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz S (830 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 644 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (186 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Opel Senator | 2013 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Opel | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Senator | S |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2488 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 136 HP | 503 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 830 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.8 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 2210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 5226 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 2120 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1479 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 3165 mm |
