1986 Ford Escort vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 1986 Ford Escort is newer by 8 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 87 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (90 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Senator weights approximately 605 kg more than 1986 Ford Escort. 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, 1986 Ford Escort, 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 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (133 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Escort | Senator |
| Year Released | 1986 | 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 | 90 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 248 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 179 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 70 L |
