1998 Ford Focus vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 1998 Ford Focus 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 1,979 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Opel Senator is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Focus (129 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1978 Opel Senator. (115 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Senator weights approximately 220 kg more than 1998 Ford Focus.
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 Ford Focus, 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 Ford Focus (183 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (160 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Focus | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Focus | Senator |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1388 cc | 1979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.5 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 171 km/hour | 180 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 1335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2690 mm |
