1999 Audi S8 vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 1999 Audi S8 is newer by 21 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 4,170 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Audi S8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Audi S8 (247 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 1978 Opel Senator. (115 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Audi S8 should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Audi S8 weights approximately 415 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 1999 Audi S8 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Opel Senator. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Audi S8 will offer significantly more control. 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, 1999 Audi S8 (330 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (160 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1999 Audi S8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator. 1999 Audi S8 has automatic transmission and 1978 Opel Senator has manual transmission. 1978 Opel Senator will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Audi S8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Audi S8 | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Audi | Opel |
| Model | S8 | Senator |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4170 cc | 1979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.5 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 180 km/hour |
| Drive Type | AWD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2690 mm |
