2004 Citroen Xsara vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 2004 Citroen Xsara 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 2,488 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Opel Senator is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Opel Senator (136 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2004 Citroen Xsara. (108 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 2004 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Citroen Xsara weights approximately 550 kg more than 1978 Opel Senator.
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, 2004 Citroen Xsara, 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, 2004 Citroen Xsara (255 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (186 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2004 Citroen Xsara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator. 1978 Opel Senator has automatic transmission and 2004 Citroen Xsara has manual transmission. 2004 Citroen Xsara 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:
| 2004 Citroen Xsara | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Citroen | Opel |
| Model | Xsara | Senator |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2690 mm |
