2004 Caterham 7 vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 2004 Caterham 7 is newer by 26 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, 2004 Caterham 7 (200 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1978 Opel Senator. (177 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Senator weights approximately 945 kg more than 2004 Caterham 7.
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 24 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Caterham 7. (224 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Caterham 7 | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Caterham | Opel |
| Model | 7 | Senator |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2261 cc | 2969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 248 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.6 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3310 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2670 mm |
