1971 BMW 3 vs. 1983 Opel Senator
To start off, 1983 Opel Senator is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 BMW 3 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 BMW 3 (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1983 Opel Senator. (85 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1983 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Opel Senator weights approximately 30 kg more than 1971 BMW 3.
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, 1971 BMW 3 (254 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Opel Senator. (193 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1971 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Opel Senator.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 1983 Opel Senator | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | 3 | Senator |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 2260 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 254 Nm | 193 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2690 mm |
