2001 Citroen C5 vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 2001 Citroen C5 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 2,969 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Opel Senator is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Citroen C5 (207 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1978 Opel Senator. (177 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Citroen C5 should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Citroen C5 weights approximately 63 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, 2001 Citroen C5, 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, 2001 Citroen C5 (285 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (248 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2001 Citroen C5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator. 2001 Citroen C5 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. 2001 Citroen C5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Citroen C5 | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Citroen | Opel |
| Model | C5 | Senator |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2946 cc | 2969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 207 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 248 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.6 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.9:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 226 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1548 kg | 1485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 70 L |
