2004 BMW 116 vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 2004 BMW 116 is newer by 26 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 2,488 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Opel Senator is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Opel Senator (136 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 2004 BMW 116. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 116. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 116 weights approximately 490 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 (186 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 116. (153 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 116. 1978 Opel Senator has automatic transmission and 2004 BMW 116 has manual transmission. 2004 BMW 116 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Opel Senator will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 116 | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | 116 | Senator |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2690 mm |
