1992 Chevrolet Cavalier vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 1992 Chevrolet Cavalier is newer by 14 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 2,187 cc (4 cylinders), 1992 Chevrolet Cavalier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Opel Senator (115 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1992 Chevrolet Cavalier. (110 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 1992 Chevrolet Cavalier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Senator weights approximately 156 kg more than 1992 Chevrolet Cavalier. 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, 1992 Chevrolet Cavalier, 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, 1992 Chevrolet Cavalier (176 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (160 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1992 Chevrolet Cavalier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 Chevrolet Cavalier | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Opel |
| Model | Cavalier | Senator |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2187 cc | 1977 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1179 kg | 1335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2690 mm |
