1996 Chevrolet Lumina vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 1996 Chevrolet Lumina is newer by 18 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 3,789 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Chevrolet Lumina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Chevrolet Lumina (200 HP) has 85 more horse power than 1978 Opel Senator. (115 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Chevrolet Lumina should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Chevrolet Lumina weights approximately 195 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, 1996 Chevrolet Lumina, 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, 1996 Chevrolet Lumina (311 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 151 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (160 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1996 Chevrolet Lumina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Chevrolet Lumina | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Opel |
| Model | Lumina | Senator |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3789 cc | 1977 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 115 HP |
| Torque | 311 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5110 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2690 mm |
