1995 Mazda MX-3 vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 1995 Mazda MX-3 is newer by 17 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 @ 5600 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1995 Mazda MX-3. (106 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 1995 Mazda MX-3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Senator weights approximately 276 kg more than 1995 Mazda MX-3. 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, 1995 Mazda MX-3, 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 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Mazda MX-3. (134 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Mazda MX-3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Mazda MX-3 | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Mazda | Opel |
| Model | MX-3 | Senator |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1059 kg | 1335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2690 mm |
