1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 2,969 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Opel Senator is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Opel Senator (170 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (110 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Senator weights approximately 302 kg more than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1978 Opel Senator (248 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (134 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Mazda | Opel |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Senator |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 248 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 95.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 6.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1038 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 70 L |
