1998 BMW 318 vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 1998 BMW 318 is newer by 20 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 2,969 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Opel Senator is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Opel Senator (170 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 318 weights approximately 55 kg more than 1978 Opel Senator.
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, 1978 Opel Senator (248 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | 318 | Senator |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 2969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 248 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 95.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 6.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 5.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
