1978 Opel Senator vs. 2008 BMW 530
To start off, 2008 BMW 530 is newer by 30 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 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 530 (215 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1978 Opel Senator. (115 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 530 weights approximately 335 kg more than 1978 Opel Senator. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2008 BMW 530 (500 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 340 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (160 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Opel Senator | 2008 BMW 530 | |
| Make | Opel | BMW |
| Model | Senator | 530 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1977 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.8 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 175 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1335 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 70 L |
