1978 Opel Senator vs. 1979 BMW M1
To start off, 1979 BMW M1 is newer by 1 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 3,453 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 BMW M1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 BMW M1 (273 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 1978 Opel Senator. (170 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 BMW M1 should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Senator weights approximately 40 kg more than 1979 BMW M1.
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, 1979 BMW M1 (330 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (248 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1979 BMW M1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Opel Senator | 1979 BMW M1 | |
| Make | Opel | BMW |
| Model | Senator | M1 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2969 cc | 3453 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 273 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 248 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.1 mm | 93.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.8 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1140 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 116 L |
