2006 Mercury Mariner vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 2006 Mercury Mariner 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 2,262 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mercury Mariner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercury Mariner (153 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1978 Opel Senator. (115 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 590 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 2006 Mercury Mariner 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, 2006 Mercury Mariner 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, 2006 Mercury Mariner (206 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (160 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2006 Mercury Mariner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercury Mariner | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Mercury | Opel |
| Model | Mariner | Senator |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2262 cc | 1977 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1925 kg | 1335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 43 L |
