1994 Fiat Panda vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 1994 Fiat Panda is newer by 16 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 1,979 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Opel Senator is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Opel Senator (115 HP) has 81 more horse power than 1994 Fiat Panda. (34 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 1994 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Senator weights approximately 655 kg more than 1994 Fiat Panda. 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, 1994 Fiat Panda, 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, 1978 Opel Senator (160 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Fiat Panda. (58 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Fiat Panda.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Fiat Panda | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Fiat | Opel |
| Model | Panda | Senator |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 769 cc | 1979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 115 HP |
| Torque | 58 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 58 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 1335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1500 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 2690 mm |
