2009 Hyundai Sonata vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 2009 Hyundai Sonata 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 2,969 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Opel Senator is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Opel Senator (170 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 2009 Hyundai Sonata. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 2009 Hyundai Sonata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Hyundai Sonata weights approximately 340 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 Hyundai Sonata, 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 Hyundai Sonata (305 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (248 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2009 Hyundai Sonata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Hyundai Sonata | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Hyundai | Opel |
| Model | Sonata | Senator |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 248 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.5:1 | 6.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1680 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.1 L/100km | 5.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
