1978 Opel Senator vs. 2011 BMW 120
To start off, 2011 BMW 120 is newer by 33 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 2,969 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Opel Senator is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Opel Senator (177 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2011 BMW 120. (175 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Senator weights approximately 100 kg more than 2011 BMW 120. 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, 2011 BMW 120 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (248 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Opel Senator | 2011 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Opel | BMW |
| Model | Senator | 120 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2969 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 177 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 248 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 16.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 228 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 51 L |
