1991 Chevrolet Nova vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 1991 Chevrolet Nova is newer by 13 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 5,025 cc (8 cylinders), 1991 Chevrolet Nova is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Chevrolet Nova (200 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1978 Opel Senator. (115 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Chevrolet Nova should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Chevrolet Nova weights approximately 103 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.
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, 1991 Chevrolet Nova (407 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 247 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (160 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1991 Chevrolet Nova will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Chevrolet Nova | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Opel |
| Model | Nova | Senator |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5025 cc | 1979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.4 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.5 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 177 km/hour | 180 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1438 kg | 1335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2690 mm |
