1983 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 1983 Mercedes-Benz S 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 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Mercedes-Benz S (154 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1978 Opel Senator. (115 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 225 kg more than 1978 Opel Senator. 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, 1983 Mercedes-Benz S (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (160 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1983 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Mercedes-Benz S | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Opel |
| Model | S | Senator |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 1979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2690 mm |
