2009 Citroen C3 vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 2009 Citroen C3 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 2,488 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Opel Senator is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Opel Senator (136 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 2009 Citroen C3. (59 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 2009 Citroen C3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Citroen C3 weights approximately 295 kg more than 1978 Opel Senator.
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 Citroen C3, 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, 1978 Opel Senator (186 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Citroen C3. (94 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Citroen C3. 1978 Opel Senator has automatic transmission and 2009 Citroen C3 has manual transmission. 2009 Citroen C3 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:
| 2009 Citroen C3 | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Citroen | Opel |
| Model | C3 | Senator |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1124 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 94 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 153 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1085 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2690 mm |
