1980 Ford Escort vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 1980 Ford Escort is newer by 2 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 1,979 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Opel Senator is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Opel Senator (115 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (96 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Senator weights approximately 440 kg more than 1980 Ford Escort. 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, 1980 Ford Escort, 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 (160 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (132 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Escort | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Escort | Senator |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 132 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 177 km/hour | 180 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 895 kg | 1335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2690 mm |
