1998 BMW Z3 vs. 1987 Opel Senator
To start off, 1998 BMW Z3 is newer by 11 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 2,969 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Opel Senator is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW Z3 (191 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1987 Opel Senator. (178 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1987 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Opel Senator weights approximately 76 kg more than 1998 BMW Z3.
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, 1998 BMW Z3 (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Opel Senator. (240 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1998 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Opel Senator. 1987 Opel Senator has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW Z3 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW Z3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1987 Opel Senator will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW Z3 | 1987 Opel Senator | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | Z3 | Senator |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 2969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 191 HP | 178 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1536 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2690 mm |
