1987 Opel Senator vs. 2011 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Golf 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 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 74 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. (104 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Opel Senator weights approximately 222 kg more than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. 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 Volkswagen Golf, 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 Volkswagen Golf (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Opel Senator. (240 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Opel Senator. 1987 Opel Senator has automatic transmission and 2011 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2011 Volkswagen Golf 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 | 2011 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Senator | Golf |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2969 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 178 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 212 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1536 kg | 1314 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
