2003 Lexus IS vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 2003 Lexus IS 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, 1978 Opel Senator (170 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2003 Lexus IS. (153 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 2003 Lexus IS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Lexus IS weights approximately 60 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, 1978 Opel Senator (248 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Lexus IS. (196 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Lexus IS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Lexus IS | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Lexus | Opel |
| Model | IS | Senator |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 2969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 248 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 95.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
