2005 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 2005 Mazda RX-8 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, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1978 Opel Senator. (170 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Senator weights approximately 275 kg more than 2005 Mazda RX-8.
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, 1978 Opel Senator (248 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda RX-8 | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Mazda | Opel |
| Model | RX-8 | Senator |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 2969 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 248 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 6.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1065 kg | 1340 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11 L/100km | 5.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 70 L |
