1987 Opel Senator vs. 2011 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2011 Ford Taurus is newer by 24 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1987 Opel Senator. (178 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1987 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Ford Taurus weights approximately 285 kg more than 1987 Opel Senator. 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, 2011 Ford Taurus, 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, 2011 Ford Taurus (337 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Opel Senator. (240 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2011 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Opel Senator.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Opel Senator | 2011 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Opel | Ford |
| Model | Senator | Taurus |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2969 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 178 HP | 263 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 337 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1536 kg | 1821 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 5154 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1935 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1542 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2868 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 72 L |
