2005 Mercury Mountaineer vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 2005 Mercury Mountaineer 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 3,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Mercury Mountaineer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercury Mountaineer (202 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1978 Opel Senator. (115 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercury Mountaineer should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercury Mountaineer weights approximately 714 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.
Because 2005 Mercury Mountaineer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Opel Senator. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Mercury Mountaineer will offer significantly more control. 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 Mercury Mountaineer (339 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (160 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2005 Mercury Mountaineer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercury Mountaineer | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Mercury | Opel |
| Model | Mountaineer | Senator |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3996 cc | 1977 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 339 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2049 kg | 1335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 43 L |
