1987 Opel Senator vs. 2001 BMW Z3
To start off, 2001 BMW Z3 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Opel Senator. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Opel Senator would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW Z3 (228 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1987 Opel Senator. (178 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1987 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Opel Senator weights approximately 136 kg more than 2001 BMW Z3.
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, 2001 BMW Z3 (301 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Opel Senator. (240 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2001 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Opel Senator.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Opel Senator | 2001 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | Opel | BMW |
| Model | Senator | Z3 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2969 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 178 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 301 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.8 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Top Speed | 212 km/hour | 236 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1536 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 51 L |
