1991 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 1991 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 2,969 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Opel Senator is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Mercedes-Benz SL (228 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1978 Opel Senator. (177 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 205 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 Mercedes-Benz SL (272 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (248 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1991 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Opel |
| Model | SL | Senator |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2961 cc | 2969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 272 Nm | 248 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.5 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.3 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |
