1978 Opel Senator vs. 2002 BMW Z3
To start off, 2002 BMW Z3 is newer by 24 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 BMW Z3 (228 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1978 Opel Senator. (177 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Senator weights approximately 85 kg more than 2002 BMW Z3.
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, 2002 BMW Z3 (301 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (248 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2002 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator. 2002 BMW Z3 has automatic transmission and 1978 Opel Senator has manual transmission. 1978 Opel Senator will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 BMW Z3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Opel Senator | 2002 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | Opel | BMW |
| Model | Senator | Z3 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2969 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 177 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 248 Nm | 301 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.8 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 236 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 51 L |
