2009 Buick Lucerne vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 2009 Buick Lucerne is newer by 31 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 3,880 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Buick Lucerne is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Buick Lucerne (227 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1978 Opel Senator. (136 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Buick Lucerne should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Buick Lucerne weights approximately 827 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.
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, 2009 Buick Lucerne, 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, 2009 Buick Lucerne (321 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (186 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2009 Buick Lucerne will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator.
Compare all specifications:
2009 Buick Lucerne | 1978 Opel Senator | |
Make | Buick | Opel |
Model | Lucerne | Senator |
Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3880 cc | 2488 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 227 HP | 136 HP |
Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 321 Nm | 186 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 4600 RPM |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1617 kg | 790 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4850 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1390 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2690 mm |