2005 Ford Fiesta vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 2005 Ford Fiesta 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 1,977 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Opel Senator is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Opel Senator (115 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 2005 Ford Fiesta. (59 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 2005 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Senator weights approximately 369 kg more than 2005 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Ford Fiesta, 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, 1978 Opel Senator (160 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Ford Fiesta. (111 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Ford Fiesta. 1978 Opel Senator has automatic transmission and 2005 Ford Fiesta has manual transmission. 2005 Ford Fiesta 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:
| 2005 Ford Fiesta | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Fiesta | Senator |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 1977 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1335 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 43 L |
