1978 Opel Senator vs. 2011 BMW 323
To start off, 2011 BMW 323 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 (180 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2011 BMW 323. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 323.
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, 1978 Opel Senator (248 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 BMW 323. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 BMW 323. 1978 Opel Senator has automatic transmission and 2011 BMW 323 has manual transmission. 2011 BMW 323 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Opel Senator will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Opel Senator | 2011 BMW 323 | |
| Make | Opel | BMW |
| Model | Senator | 323 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2969 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 248 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.1 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.8 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1820 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 44 L | 60 L |
