2009 Cadillac CTS vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 2009 Cadillac CTS 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 2,969 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Opel Senator is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Cadillac CTS (179 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1978 Opel Senator. (177 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 303 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, 1978 Opel Senator (248 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Cadillac CTS. (232 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Cadillac CTS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Cadillac CTS | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Cadillac | Opel |
| Model | CTS | Senator |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2597 cc | 2969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 179 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 232 Nm | 248 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.3 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.6 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1788 kg | 1485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 70 L |
