2007 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 2007 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 29 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 2,387 cc (5 cylinders), 2007 Alfa Romeo 166 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Alfa Romeo 166 (178 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1978 Opel Senator. (115 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 280 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 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, 2007 Alfa Romeo 166, 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, 2007 Alfa Romeo 166 (385 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 225 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (160 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2007 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Alfa Romeo 166 | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Opel |
| Model | 166 | Senator |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 1979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 178 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 385 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 180 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2690 mm |
