2008 BMW M3 vs. 1987 Opel Senator
To start off, 2008 BMW M3 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Opel Senator. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Opel Senator would be higher. At 3,246 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (339 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 161 more horse power than 1987 Opel Senator. (178 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1987 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW M3 weights approximately 34 kg more than 1987 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, 2008 BMW M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Opel Senator. (240 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2008 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Opel Senator. 1987 Opel Senator has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1987 Opel Senator will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW M3 | 1987 Opel Senator | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | M3 | Senator |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 2969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 339 HP | 178 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 212 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 | 1570 kg | 1536 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
