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 2,359 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Hyundai Sonata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Hyundai Sonata (176 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1978 Opel Senator. (115 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Hyundai Sonata should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Senator weights approximately 17 kg more than 2009 Hyundai Sonata.
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 (228 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (160 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 | 2359 cc | 1979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 176 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 213 km/hour | 180 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1318 kg | 1335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1840 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2690 mm |
