2008 Fiat Grande Punto vs. 1978 Opel Senator

To start off, 2008 Fiat Grande Punto 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 2,969 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Opel Senator is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Opel Senator (180 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 2008 Fiat Grande Punto. (129 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 2008 Fiat Grande Punto. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Senator weights approximately 215 kg more than 2008 Fiat Grande Punto. 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 Grande Punto, 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 Fiat Grande Punto (280 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (248 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2008 Fiat Grande Punto will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator. 1978 Opel Senator has automatic transmission and 2008 Fiat Grande Punto has manual transmission. 2008 Fiat Grande Punto 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 Grande Punto 1978 Opel Senator
Make Fiat Opel
Model Grande Punto Senator
Year Released 2008 1978
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1910 cc 2969 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 6 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 129 HP 180 HP
Engine RPM 4000 RPM 5800 RPM
Torque 280 Nm 248 Nm
Torque RPM 2000 RPM 4200 RPM
Engine Bore Size 82 mm 95.1 mm
Engine Stroke Size 90.4 mm 69.8 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 18.0:1 9.4:1
Acceleration 0-100mph 9.5 seconds 10.9 seconds
Drive Type Front Rear
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 3 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Weight 1280 kg 1495 kg
Vehicle Length 4040 mm 4850 mm
Vehicle Width 1690 mm 1730 mm
Vehicle Height 1500 mm 1390 mm
Wheelbase Size 2520 mm 2690 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 45 L 44 L