2001 Citroen C3 vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 2001 Citroen C3 is newer by 23 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 1,977 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Opel Senator is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Opel Senator (115 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2001 Citroen C3. (87 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 2001 Citroen C3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Senator weights approximately 441 kg more than 2001 Citroen C3. 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, 2001 Citroen C3, 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 (160 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Citroen C3. (115 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Citroen C3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Citroen C3 | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Citroen | Opel |
| Model | C3 | Senator |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1360 cc | 1977 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 115 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 894 kg | 1335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 43 L |
