2009 Kia Rio vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 2009 Kia Rio 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 1,979 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Opel Senator is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Opel Senator (115 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2009 Kia Rio. (81 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 2009 Kia Rio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Kia Rio weights approximately 173 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 Kia Rio, 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 43 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Kia Rio. (117 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Kia Rio.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Kia Rio | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Kia | Opel |
| Model | Rio | Senator |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1343 cc | 1979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75.5 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Top Speed | 165 km/hour | 180 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1508 kg | 1335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2690 mm |
