2009 Ford Escape vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 2009 Ford Escape 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. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Escape (171 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1978 Opel Senator. (136 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Escape should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Ford Escape weights approximately 182 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 Ford Escape, 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 Ford Escape (232 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (186 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Escape will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator. 1978 Opel Senator has automatic transmission and 2009 Ford Escape has manual transmission. 2009 Ford Escape 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 Ford Escape | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Escape | Senator |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 232 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 972 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2690 mm |
