2007 BMW M3 vs. 1978 Opel Senator

To start off, 2007 BMW M3 is newer by 29 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 3,245 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 202 more horse power than 1978 Opel Senator. (136 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW M3 weights approximately 865 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, 2007 BMW M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (186 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2007 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator. 1978 Opel Senator has automatic transmission and 2007 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2007 BMW M3 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:

2007 BMW M3 1978 Opel Senator
Make BMW Opel
Model M3 Senator
Year Released 2007 1978
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 3245 cc 2488 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 6 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 338 HP 136 HP
Engine RPM 7900 RPM 5600 RPM
Torque 365 Nm 186 Nm
Torque RPM 4900 RPM 4600 RPM
Engine Bore Size 87 mm 87 mm
Engine Stroke Size 91 mm 69.8 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 11.5:1 9.2:1
Top Speed 250 km/hour 190 km/hour
Drive Type Rear Rear
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 4 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Weight 1655 kg 790 kg
Vehicle Length 4500 mm 4850 mm
Vehicle Width 1790 mm 1730 mm
Vehicle Height 1380 mm 1390 mm
Wheelbase Size 2740 mm 2690 mm


 

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