2004 Ford Focus vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 2004 Ford Focus 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 1,979 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Opel Senator is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Focus (128 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1978 Opel Senator. (115 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Senator weights approximately 58 kg more than 2004 Ford Focus.
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 Ford Focus, 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 Ford Focus (174 Nm) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (160 Nm). This means 2004 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Focus | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Focus | Senator |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1388 cc | 1979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.5 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1277 kg | 1335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2690 mm |
