1981 Ford Escort vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 1981 Ford Escort is newer by 3 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 66 more horse power than 1981 Ford Escort. (70 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Escort weights approximately 164 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, 1981 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 (186 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Escort. (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Ford Escort | 1978 Opel Senator | |
Make | Ford | Opel |
Model | Escort | Senator |
Year Released | 1981 | 1978 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2488 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 70 HP | 136 HP |
Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 121 Nm | 186 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 87.7 mm | 87 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 69.8 mm |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 954 kg | 790 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4850 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1390 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2690 mm |