1979 Datsun Laurel vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 1979 Datsun Laurel is newer by 1 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 2,488 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Opel Senator is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Opel Senator (136 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1979 Datsun Laurel. (113 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 1979 Datsun Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Datsun Laurel weights approximately 395 kg more than 1978 Opel Senator.
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, 1978 Opel Senator (186 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Datsun Laurel. (176 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Datsun Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Datsun Laurel | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Datsun | Opel |
| Model | Laurel | Senator |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2393 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73.7 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2690 mm |
