2002 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 24 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 2,488 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Opel Senator is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 (138 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1978 Opel Senator. (136 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 602 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, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156, 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 (186 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. (163 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. 1978 Opel Senator has automatic transmission and 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 has manual transmission. 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 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:
2002 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1978 Opel Senator | |
Make | Alfa Romeo | Opel |
Model | 156 | Senator |
Year Released | 2002 | 1978 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1747 cc | 2488 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 136 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 163 Nm | 186 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4600 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 87 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 69.8 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 9.2:1 |
Top Speed | 208 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1392 kg | 790 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4850 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1390 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2690 mm |