1984 Buick Electra vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 1984 Buick Electra is newer by 6 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1984 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Buick Electra (123 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1978 Opel Senator. (115 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1984 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Buick Electra weights approximately 115 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.
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, 1984 Buick Electra, 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, 1984 Buick Electra (264 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (160 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1984 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Buick Electra | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Buick | Opel |
| Model | Electra | Senator |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1977 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 264 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.6 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2690 mm |
