1987 Opel Senator vs. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 21 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 2,969 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Opel Senator is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Opel Senator (178 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (150 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Opel Senator weights approximately 186 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1987 Opel Senator is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1987 Opel Senator. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1987 Opel Senator (240 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (231 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1987 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. 1987 Opel Senator has automatic transmission and 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle has manual transmission. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1987 Opel Senator will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Opel Senator | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Senator | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2969 cc | 2480 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 178 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1536 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
