2003 Acura RSX vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 2003 Acura RSX is newer by 25 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, 2003 Acura RSX (197 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1978 Opel Senator. (180 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Acura RSX should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Senator weights approximately 229 kg more than 2003 Acura RSX.
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, 2003 Acura RSX, 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 56 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Acura RSX. (192 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Acura RSX. 1978 Opel Senator has automatic transmission and 2003 Acura RSX has manual transmission. 2003 Acura RSX 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:
| 2003 Acura RSX | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Acura | Opel |
| Model | RSX | Senator |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 192 Nm | 248 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.9 mm | 95.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.9 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1266 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 44 L |
