1982 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 1982 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 4 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) has 7 more horse power than 1982 Alfa Romeo Spider. (108 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 1982 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Senator weights approximately 335 kg more than 1982 Alfa Romeo Spider. 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, 1978 Opel Senator (160 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Alfa Romeo Spider. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Opel |
| Model | Spider | Senator |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1570 cc | 1979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 115 HP |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2690 mm |
