1997 BMW M3 vs. 1987 Opel Senator
To start off, 1997 BMW M3 is newer by 10 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 3,201 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1987 Opel Senator. (140 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1987 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Opel Senator weights approximately 164 kg more than 1997 BMW M3.
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 M3 (236 Nm) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Opel Senator. (205 Nm). This means 1997 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Opel Senator.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW M3 | 1987 Opel Senator | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | M3 | Senator |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 2490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1464 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2600 mm |
