1996 Fiat Marea vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 1996 Fiat Marea 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 2,488 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Opel Senator is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Fiat Marea (145 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1978 Opel Senator. (136 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Fiat Marea should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Fiat Marea weights approximately 465 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 Fiat Marea, 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, both vehicles can yield 186 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles. 1978 Opel Senator has automatic transmission and 1996 Fiat Marea has manual transmission. 1996 Fiat Marea 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:
| 1996 Fiat Marea | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Fiat | Opel |
| Model | Marea | Senator |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.7 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 206 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 | 1255 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2690 mm |
