1990 Opel Senator vs. 2012 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen GTI is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Opel Senator. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Opel Senator would be higher. At 2,969 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Opel Senator is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Opel Senator (202 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. (200 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Opel Senator weights approximately 177 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 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 1990 Opel Senator. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen GTI, 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, 2012 Volkswagen GTI (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Opel Senator. (275 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen GTI will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Opel Senator.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Opel Senator | 2012 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Senator | GTI |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2969 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 224 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1393 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 55 L |
