2004 BMW 525 vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 2004 BMW 525 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 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 525 (174 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1978 Opel Senator. (136 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 525 weights approximately 960 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, 2004 BMW 525 (390 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 204 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (186 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator. 1978 Opel Senator has automatic transmission and 2004 BMW 525 has manual transmission. 2004 BMW 525 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 525 | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | 525 | Senator |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 174 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 390 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2690 mm |
