1978 Opel Senator vs. 2011 BMW 520
To start off, 2011 BMW 520 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, 2011 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1978 Opel Senator. (180 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Senator.
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 520 (380 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (248 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 520 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 520 | |
| Make | Opel | BMW |
| Model | Senator | 520 |
| 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 | 180 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 248 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.1 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.8 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 44 L | 70 L |
