2008 Ford Focus vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 2008 Ford Focus 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. In terms of performance, 1978 Opel Senator (115 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2008 Ford Focus. (108 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Senator weights approximately 15 kg more than 2008 Ford Focus. 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 Ford Focus, 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 Ford Focus (240 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (160 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Focus | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Focus | Senator |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1560 cc | 1979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73.1 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.3:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2690 mm |
