2004 Dodge Dakota vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 2004 Dodge Dakota 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, 1978 Opel Senator (180 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 2004 Dodge Dakota. (118 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 2004 Dodge Dakota. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 35 kg more than 1978 Opel Senator.
Because 2004 Dodge Dakota 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, 2004 Dodge Dakota 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, 1978 Opel Senator (248 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Dodge Dakota. (196 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Dodge Dakota. 1978 Opel Senator has automatic transmission and 2004 Dodge Dakota has manual transmission. 2004 Dodge Dakota 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 Dodge Dakota | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Dodge | Opel |
| Model | Dakota | Senator |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2457 cc | 2969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 248 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2690 mm |
