2002 Opel Signum vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 2002 Opel Signum 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 Opel Signum (153 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1978 Opel Senator. (136 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Opel Signum should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Opel Signum weights approximately 695 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 Opel Signum, 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, 2002 Opel Signum (250 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (186 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2002 Opel Signum will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator. 1978 Opel Senator has automatic transmission and 2002 Opel Signum has manual transmission. 2002 Opel Signum 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 Opel Signum | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Opel | Opel |
| Model | Signum | Senator |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 206 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 | 1485 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2690 mm |
