1974 BMW 3 vs. 1987 Opel Senator
To start off, 1987 Opel Senator is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 BMW 3 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 BMW 3 (200 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1987 Opel Senator. (178 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1987 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Opel Senator weights approximately 103 kg more than 1974 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, 1974 BMW 3 (270 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Opel Senator. (240 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1974 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Opel Senator. 1987 Opel Senator has automatic transmission and 1974 BMW 3 has manual transmission. 1974 BMW 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1987 Opel Senator will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 BMW 3 | 1987 Opel Senator | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | 3 | Senator |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 2969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 178 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Top Speed | 214 km/hour | 212 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1433 kg | 1536 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2690 mm |
