1987 Ford Probe vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 1987 Ford Probe is newer by 9 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 42 more horse power than 1987 Ford Probe. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 1987 Ford Probe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Senator weights approximately 245 kg more than 1987 Ford Probe. 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, 1987 Ford Probe, 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, 1987 Ford Probe (262 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (248 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1987 Ford Probe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator. 1978 Opel Senator has automatic transmission and 1987 Ford Probe has manual transmission. 1987 Ford Probe 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:
| 1987 Ford Probe | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Probe | Senator |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2184 cc | 2969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 262 Nm | 248 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 95.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2690 mm |
