2009 Ford Flex vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 2009 Ford Flex 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 3,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Ford Flex is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Flex (262 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 147 more horse power than 1978 Opel Senator. (115 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Flex should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Senator weights approximately 369 kg more than 2009 Ford Flex.
Because 2009 Ford Flex is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Opel Senator. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Ford Flex will offer significantly more control. 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 Flex (336 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (160 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Flex will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator. 2009 Ford Flex 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 Ford Flex will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Flex | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Flex | Senator |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 1979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 262 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2690 mm |
