1996 BMW 540 vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 18 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 4,396 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1978 Opel Senator. (177 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 360 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, 1996 BMW 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 192 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (248 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator. 1996 BMW 540 has automatic transmission and 1978 Opel Senator has manual transmission. 1978 Opel Senator will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 BMW 540 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | 540 | Senator |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4396 cc | 2969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 248 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1845 kg | 1485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
