2008 Fiat 500 vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 2008 Fiat 500 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 1,977 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Opel Senator is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Opel Senator (115 HP) has 61 more horse power than 2008 Fiat 500. (54 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 2008 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Senator weights approximately 355 kg more than 2008 Fiat 500. 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, 2008 Fiat 500, 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 (160 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Fiat 500. (146 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Fiat 500. 1978 Opel Senator has automatic transmission and 2008 Fiat 500 has manual transmission. 2008 Fiat 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Opel Senator will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Fiat 500 | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Fiat | Opel |
| Model | 500 | Senator |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1248 cc | 1977 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 115 HP |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 69.6 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Top Speed | 165 km/hour | 175 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3550 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 43 L |
