2006 Chevrolet SSR vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 2006 Chevrolet SSR is newer by 28 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 5,965 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Chevrolet SSR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Chevrolet SSR (401 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 224 more horse power than 1978 Opel Senator. (177 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Chevrolet SSR should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Senator weights approximately 407 kg more than 2006 Chevrolet SSR.
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, 2006 Chevrolet SSR (542 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 294 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (248 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2006 Chevrolet SSR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Chevrolet SSR | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Opel |
| Model | SSR | Senator |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5965 cc | 2969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 401 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 542 Nm | 248 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91.4 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.9:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1078 kg | 1485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 70 L |
