2008 BMW 120 vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 2008 BMW 120 is newer by 30 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 (180 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2008 BMW 120. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Senator weights approximately 139 kg more than 2008 BMW 120. 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, 2008 BMW 120 (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (248 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 120 | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | 120 | Senator |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 248 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 95.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.5 seconds | 10.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 1495 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 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 44 L |
