1983 Ford Fiesta vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 1983 Ford Fiesta is newer by 5 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 2,969 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Opel Senator is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Opel Senator (177 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 1983 Ford Fiesta. (53 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 1983 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Senator weights approximately 650 kg more than 1983 Ford Fiesta. 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, 1983 Ford Fiesta, 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 (248 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Ford Fiesta. (95 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Ford Fiesta | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Fiesta | Senator |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1608 cc | 2969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 95 Nm | 248 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 835 kg | 1485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 70 L |
