2002 Citroen C3 vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 2002 Citroen C3 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 2,969 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Opel Senator is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Opel Senator (180 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 2002 Citroen C3. (74 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 2002 Citroen C3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Senator weights approximately 415 kg more than 2002 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, 2002 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 (248 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Citroen C3. (120 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Citroen C3. 1978 Opel Senator has automatic transmission and 2002 Citroen C3 has manual transmission. 2002 Citroen C3 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 Citroen C3 | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Citroen | Opel |
| Model | C3 | Senator |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1398 cc | 2969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 248 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 95.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 47 L | 44 L |
