2005 Lotus Elise vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 2005 Lotus Elise 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 2,488 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Opel Senator is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1978 Opel Senator. (136 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Lotus Elise weights approximately 60 kg more than 1978 Opel Senator. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, both vehicles can yield 186 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles. 1978 Opel Senator has automatic transmission and 2005 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2005 Lotus Elise 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 Lotus Elise | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Lotus | Opel |
| Model | Elise | Senator |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2690 mm |
