2003 Ford Explorer vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 2003 Ford Explorer 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 4,605 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Explorer (236 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1978 Opel Senator. (136 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Explorer weights approximately 1292 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 2003 Ford Explorer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Opel Senator. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Ford Explorer will offer significantly more control. 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 Ford Explorer (382 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 196 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (186 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Explorer | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Explorer | Senator |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4605 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 236 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 382 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2082 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2690 mm |
