1996 Mazda RX-7 vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 1996 Mazda RX-7 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 2,616 cc, 1996 Mazda RX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mazda RX-7 (238 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1978 Opel Senator. (136 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mazda RX-7 weights approximately 520 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 Mazda RX-7 (296 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (186 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1996 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator. 1978 Opel Senator has automatic transmission and 1996 Mazda RX-7 has manual transmission. 1996 Mazda RX-7 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 Mazda RX-7 | 1978 Opel Senator | |
Make | Mazda | Opel |
Model | RX-7 | Senator |
Year Released | 1996 | 1978 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2616 cc | 2488 cc |
Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
Horse Power | 238 HP | 136 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 296 Nm | 186 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 790 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4850 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1390 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2690 mm |