2000 Caterham 21 vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 2000 Caterham 21 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 2,969 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Opel Senator is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 21 (230 HP @ 8600 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1978 Opel Senator. (180 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 21 should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Senator weights approximately 955 kg more than 2000 Caterham 21.
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 38 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 21. (210 Nm @ 7200 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 21. 1978 Opel Senator has automatic transmission and 2000 Caterham 21 has manual transmission. 2000 Caterham 21 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 Caterham 21 | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Caterham | Opel |
| Model | 21 | Senator |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 2969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 248 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 95.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 44 L |
