2009 BMW 550 vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 2009 BMW 550 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 4,799 cc, 2009 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 550 (362 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 185 more horse power than 1978 Opel Senator. (177 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 550 weights approximately 177 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, 2009 BMW 550 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 242 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Senator. (248 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Senator. 2009 BMW 550 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 550 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2009 BMW 550 | 1978 Opel Senator | |
Make | BMW | Opel |
Model | 550 | Senator |
Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4799 cc | 2969 cc |
Horse Power | 362 HP | 177 HP |
Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 490 Nm | 248 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 95 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 69.8 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1662 kg | 1485 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4700 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1390 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2670 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |