2008 Mercedes-Benz E vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E 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 3,221 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E (201 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1978 Opel Senator. (115 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 550 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 Mercedes-Benz E (500 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 340 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (160 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator. 2008 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 1978 Opel Senator has manual transmission. 1978 Opel Senator will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz E | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Opel |
| Model | E | Senator |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3221 cc | 1979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 500 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 240 km/hour | 180 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1885 kg | 1335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2690 mm |
