2003 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu (200 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1978 Opel Senator. (170 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 229 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, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 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, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu (298 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (248 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2003 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet Malibu | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Opel |
| Model | Malibu | Senator |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 2969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 248 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 95.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 6.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1569 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 70 L |
