2005 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 2005 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 27 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 (177 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2005 Alfa Romeo 166. (173 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 2005 Alfa Romeo 166. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 130 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, 2005 Alfa Romeo 166, 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, 2005 Alfa Romeo 166 (385 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (248 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2005 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Alfa Romeo 166 | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Opel |
| Model | 166 | Senator |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 2969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 385 Nm | 248 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 70 L |
