1997 BMW 850 vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 1997 BMW 850 is newer by 19 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 5,379 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW 850 (329 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 1978 Opel Senator. (180 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 850 weights approximately 450 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, 1997 BMW 850 (490 Nm) has 242 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (248 Nm). This means 1997 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW 850 | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | 850 | Senator |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5379 cc | 2969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 329 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 248 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 95.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1945 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2690 mm |
