2009 BMW 120 vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 31 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 (177 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2009 BMW 120. (168 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 40 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, 2009 BMW 120 (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (248 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator. 2009 BMW 120 has automatic transmission and 1978 Opel Senator has manual transmission. 1978 Opel Senator will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | 120 | Senator |
| Year Released | 2009 | 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 | 168 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 340 Nm | 248 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 16.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 215 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 70 L |
