1990 Opel Senator vs. 1978 Datsun 280Z
To start off, 1990 Opel Senator is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Datsun 280Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Datsun 280Z would be higher. At 2,969 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Opel Senator is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Opel Senator (202 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1978 Datsun 280Z. (150 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 1978 Datsun 280Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Opel Senator weights approximately 266 kg more than 1978 Datsun 280Z. 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, 1990 Opel Senator (275 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Datsun 280Z. (221 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1990 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Datsun 280Z.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Opel Senator | 1978 Datsun 280Z | |
| Make | Opel | Datsun |
| Model | Senator | 280Z |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2969 cc | 2753 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.8 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1304 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4399 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1631 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2304 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 60 L |
