2005 BMW 318 vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 2005 BMW 318 is newer by 27 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 22 more horse power than 2005 BMW 318. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 318 weights approximately 35 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 48 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 318 | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | 318 | Senator |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 2969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 248 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 95.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 6.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1375 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 | 7.2 L/100km | 5.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
