1982 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1990 Opel Senator
To start off, 1990 Opel Senator is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1982 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Opel Senator (202 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Opel Senator weights approximately 122 kg more than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. 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, 1990 Opel Senator (275 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. (252 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1990 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. 1982 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1990 Opel Senator has manual transmission. 1990 Opel Senator will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1982 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Ford Thunderbird | 1990 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Thunderbird | Senator |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 202 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 275 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.6 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1448 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 75 L |
