1998 Ford Focus vs. 1985 Opel Senator
To start off, 1998 Ford Focus is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Opel Senator. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Opel Senator would be higher. At 2,197 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Opel Senator is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Focus (135 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1985 Opel Senator. (114 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1985 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Opel Senator weights approximately 197 kg more than 1998 Ford Focus.
Because 1985 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 1985 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, 1985 Opel Senator (186 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Focus. (162 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1985 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Focus | 1985 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Focus | Senator |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 2197 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 162 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.6 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 77.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1129 kg | 1326 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2690 mm |
