2002 Citroen Xsara vs. 1987 Opel Senator
To start off, 2002 Citroen Xsara is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Opel Senator. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Opel Senator would be higher. At 2,969 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Opel Senator is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Opel Senator (178 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 2002 Citroen Xsara. (72 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 2002 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Opel Senator weights approximately 456 kg more than 2002 Citroen Xsara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1987 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 1987 Opel Senator. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Citroen Xsara, 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, 1987 Opel Senator (240 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Citroen Xsara. (110 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1987 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Citroen Xsara. 1987 Opel Senator has automatic transmission and 2002 Citroen Xsara has manual transmission. 2002 Citroen Xsara will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1987 Opel Senator will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Citroen Xsara | 1987 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Citroen | Opel |
| Model | Xsara | Senator |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1360 cc | 2969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 178 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| 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 | 1536 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 70 L |
