1998 Fiat Barchetta vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 1998 Fiat Barchetta is newer by 20 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 1,977 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Opel Senator is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Fiat Barchetta (130 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1978 Opel Senator. (115 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Fiat Barchetta should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Senator weights approximately 275 kg more than 1998 Fiat Barchetta.
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, 1998 Fiat Barchetta, 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, 1998 Fiat Barchetta (164 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (160 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1998 Fiat Barchetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator. 1978 Opel Senator has automatic transmission and 1998 Fiat Barchetta has manual transmission. 1998 Fiat Barchetta 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:
| 1998 Fiat Barchetta | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Fiat | Opel |
| Model | Barchetta | Senator |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 1977 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2690 mm |
