2009 BMW M3 vs. 1990 Opel Senator
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Opel Senator. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Opel Senator would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 212 more horse power than 1990 Opel Senator. (202 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1990 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Opel Senator weights approximately 40 kg more than 2009 BMW M3.
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 M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Opel Senator. (275 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Opel Senator.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 1990 Opel Senator | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | M3 | Senator |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 2969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 202 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 275 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.2 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 224 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 75 L |
