2001 Oldsmobile Aurora vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 2001 Oldsmobile Aurora 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 3,473 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Oldsmobile Aurora is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Oldsmobile Aurora (251 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 1978 Opel Senator. (115 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Oldsmobile Aurora should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Oldsmobile Aurora weights approximately 305 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 Oldsmobile Aurora, 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 Oldsmobile Aurora (353 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 193 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (160 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2001 Oldsmobile Aurora will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Oldsmobile Aurora | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Opel |
| Model | Aurora | Senator |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3473 cc | 1977 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1640 kg | 1335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5070 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 43 L |
