2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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 Mercedes-Benz SLK (194 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1978 Opel Senator. (177 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 565 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.
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, 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK (280 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (248 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator. 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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. 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Opel |
| Model | SLK | Senator |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2295 cc | 2969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 194 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 248 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 91 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2050 kg | 1485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 70 L |
