2009 Ford Focus vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 2009 Ford Focus 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 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Focus (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1978 Opel Senator. (115 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Focus 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 Focus.
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 Focus, 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 28 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Focus. (132 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Focus | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Focus | Senator |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 1979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 132 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2690 mm |
