2009 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (181 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1978 Opel Senator. (180 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 1335 kg more than 1978 Opel Senator. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 (248 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. (241 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. 1978 Opel Senator has automatic transmission and 2009 Mercedes-Benz C has manual transmission. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Opel Senator will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz C | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Opel |
| Model | C | Senator |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2969 cc |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 241 Nm | 248 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 95.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2830 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 44 L |
