2000 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 2000 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 22 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 2,488 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Opel Senator is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Alfa Romeo Spider (155 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1978 Opel Senator. (136 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 566 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 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, 2000 Alfa Romeo Spider, 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, 1978 Opel Senator (186 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Alfa Romeo Spider. (163 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Alfa Romeo Spider. 1978 Opel Senator has automatic transmission and 2000 Alfa Romeo Spider has manual transmission. 2000 Alfa Romeo Spider 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:
| 2000 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Opel |
| Model | Spider | Senator |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 163 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.8 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2690 mm |
