2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK 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 (170 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (161 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 305 kg more than 1978 Opel Senator.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK (400 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (248 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Opel |
| Model | CLK | Senator |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2596 cc | 2969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 248 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 95.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 6.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1645 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
