2006 Ford Ka vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 2006 Ford Ka 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 2,969 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Opel Senator is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Opel Senator (170 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 2006 Ford Ka. (69 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 2006 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Senator weights approximately 378 kg more than 2006 Ford Ka. 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, 2006 Ford Ka, 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 (248 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 142 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Ford Ka. (106 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Ka | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Ka | Senator |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 2969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 106 Nm | 248 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 95.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 6.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 962 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6 L/100km | 5.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 70 L |
