1990 BMW M3 vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 1990 BMW M3 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Opel Senator. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Opel Senator would be higher. At 2,488 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Opel Senator is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW M3 (238 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1978 Opel Senator. (136 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW M3 weights approximately 410 kg more than 1978 Opel Senator. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1990 BMW M3 (240 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (186 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1990 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator. 1978 Opel Senator has automatic transmission and 1990 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1990 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Opel Senator will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1990 BMW M3 | 1978 Opel Senator | |
Make | BMW | Opel |
Model | M3 | Senator |
Year Released | 1990 | 1978 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2467 cc | 2488 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 238 HP | 136 HP |
Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 240 Nm | 186 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4600 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 95.1 mm | 87 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 87 mm | 69.8 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.2:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 790 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4850 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1390 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2690 mm |