1985 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 7 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 (180 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider. (126 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Senator weights approximately 334 kg more than 1985 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 (248 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider. (178 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider. 1978 Opel Senator has automatic transmission and 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider has manual transmission. 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Opel Senator will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Opel |
| Model | Spider | Senator |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1960 cc | 2969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 248 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 95.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.5 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10 seconds | 10.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1161 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 44 L |
