2001 Opel Zafira vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 2001 Opel Zafira 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, 1978 Opel Senator (180 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 2001 Opel Zafira. (148 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 2001 Opel Zafira. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Senator weights approximately 75 kg more than 2001 Opel Zafira. 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 Opel Zafira, 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 (248 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Opel Zafira. (203 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Opel Zafira. 1978 Opel Senator has automatic transmission and 2001 Opel Zafira has manual transmission. 2001 Opel Zafira 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:
| 2001 Opel Zafira | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Opel | Opel |
| Model | Zafira | Senator |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2198 cc | 2969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 248 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 95.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.6 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1420 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 44 L |
