2009 Fiat Panda vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 2009 Fiat Panda 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 1,979 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Opel Senator is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Opel Senator (115 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 2009 Fiat Panda. (53 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 2009 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Senator weights approximately 420 kg more than 2009 Fiat Panda. 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 Fiat Panda, 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 (160 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Fiat Panda. (88 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Fiat Panda.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Fiat Panda | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Fiat | Opel |
| Model | Panda | Senator |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1107 cc | 1979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 88 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 150 km/hour | 180 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 915 kg | 1335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2690 mm |
