1987 Opel Senator vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 is newer by 25 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 11 more horse power than 2012 Mazda 3. (167 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Opel Senator weights approximately 153 kg more than 2012 Mazda 3. 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, 2012 Mazda 3, 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 12 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 3. (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1987 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Opel Senator | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Opel | Mazda |
| Model | Senator | 3 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2969 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 178 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1536 kg | 1383 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
