1994 Lancia Kappa vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 1994 Lancia Kappa 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 2,488 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Opel Senator is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Lancia Kappa (175 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1978 Opel Senator. (136 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1994 Lancia Kappa should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Lancia Kappa weights approximately 660 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.
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 Lancia Kappa, 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, 1994 Lancia Kappa (230 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (186 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1994 Lancia Kappa will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator. 1978 Opel Senator has automatic transmission and 1994 Lancia Kappa has manual transmission. 1994 Lancia Kappa will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Opel Senator will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Lancia Kappa | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Lancia | Opel |
| Model | Kappa | Senator |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2446 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 214 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2690 mm |
