1997 Lancia Zeta vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 1997 Lancia Zeta is newer by 19 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Lancia Zeta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Lancia Zeta (145 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1978 Opel Senator. (115 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Lancia Zeta should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Lancia Zeta weights approximately 315 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, 1997 Lancia Zeta, 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, 1997 Lancia Zeta (235 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (160 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1997 Lancia Zeta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator. 1978 Opel Senator has automatic transmission and 1997 Lancia Zeta has manual transmission. 1997 Lancia Zeta 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:
| 1997 Lancia Zeta | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Lancia | Opel |
| Model | Zeta | Senator |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1977 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 235 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1720 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2690 mm |
