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Opel Senator A (facelift 1982) 2.3 TD (86 Hp)
Overall Rating
Opel Senator:
The Opel Senator is a full-size executive car produced by the German automaker Opel, two generations of which were sold in Europe from 1978 until 1993. A saloon, its first incarnation was also available with a fastback coupé body as the Opel Monza and Vauxhall Royale Coupé. The Senator was, for its entire existence, the flagship saloon model for both Opel and Vauxhall.
Through the international divisions of General Motors, it was also known in various markets as the Chevrolet Senator, Daewoo Imperial , Vauxhall Royale and Vauxhall Senator. It was also sold as the Opel Kikinda in Yugoslavia, where it was produced under licence by IDA-Opel in Kikinda, Serbia, after which it was named....(Read more on Wikipedia)
A (facelift 1982) Overview:
Opel Senator (A (facelift 1982)). With 189 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1410 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 16.5 s). The top speed reaches 167 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
2.3 TD (86 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The diesel option provides modest power, resulting in leisurely acceleration, clearly prioritizing economy over outright speed.
Fuel Economy
Excellent fuel economy at 7.6 l/100 km, making it the most economical choice in the lineup for long-distance driving.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Spacious and comfortable interior, typical of an executive sedan.
- • Wide range of engines, from economical diesels to powerful 3.0L petrols.
- • Rear-wheel drive platform offers engaging driving dynamics.
- • Classic styling and strong road presence for its era.
- • Good value on the used market as a classic car.
Cons:
- • Fuel economy can be high, especially with larger petrol engines and automatic transmissions.
- • Safety features are basic by modern standards, predating advanced systems.
- • Potential for rust, a common issue for Opels of this vintage.
- • Automatic transmissions can feel sluggish and less refined than modern units.
- • Parts availability for specific components might be challenging for some trims.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(A (facelift 1982): 1983 - 1984).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Opel |
| Model: | Senator |
| Generation: | A (facelift 1982) |
| Modification (Engine): | 2.3 TD (86 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1984 |
| End of production: | 1986 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 86 Hp @ 4200 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 38.1 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 189 Nm @ 2200-2400 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 2260 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Precombustion chamber injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Turbocharger |
| Valvetrain: | SOHC |
| Cylinder Bore: | 92 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 85 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 23:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Diesel |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 7.6 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 16.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 16.5 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 167 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 16.4 kg/Hp, 61 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7.5 kg/Nm, 134 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 15.7 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1410 |
| Max. weight: | 1960 |
| Max load: | 550 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 715 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 75 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4839 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1722 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1415 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2683 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1447 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1472 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 140 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 10.8 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc [above average] |
Behind the wheel of the Opel Senator. How does it handle on the road?