1978 Fiat 127 vs. 1985 Opel Senator
To start off, 1985 Opel Senator is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Fiat 127. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Fiat 127 would be higher. At 2,197 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Opel Senator is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Opel Senator (114 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 127. (44 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 127. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Opel Senator weights approximately 621 kg more than 1978 Fiat 127. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1985 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 1985 Opel Senator. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Fiat 127, 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, 1985 Opel Senator (186 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 127. (64 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1985 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 127.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 127 | 1985 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Fiat | Opel |
| Model | 127 | Senator |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 903 cc | 2197 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67.7 mm | 77.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 1326 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3650 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2690 mm |
