2008 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 30 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 1,979 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Opel Senator is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 70 kg more than 1978 Opel Senator.
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, 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider, 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, 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider (181 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (160 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Opel |
| Model | Spider | Senator |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1969 cc | 1979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 0 HP | 115 HP |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 216 km/hour | 180 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2690 mm |
