2009 Dodge Grand Caravan vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan 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 3,299 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Opel Senator (177 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan. (175 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan weights approximately 206 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 Dodge Grand Caravan, 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 Dodge Grand Caravan (278 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (248 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator. 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan 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. 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2009 Dodge Grand Caravan | 1978 Opel Senator | |
Make | Dodge | Opel |
Model | Grand Caravan | Senator |
Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3299 cc | 2969 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 175 HP | 177 HP |
Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 278 Nm | 248 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 95 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 69.8 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1691 kg | 1485 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5150 mm | 4700 mm |
Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1390 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2670 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 70 L |