Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Opel Senator A (facelift 1982) 2.5 E (136 Hp) Automatic
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 185 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1370 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 13 s). The top speed reaches 185 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.
2.5 E (136 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Offers adequate performance, but the slightly lower power output compared to the 140 Hp version, combined with the automatic, makes it feel less energetic.
Fuel Economy
Fuel consumption of 12 l/100 km is quite high, making it one of the thirstier options relative to its power output.
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: 1978 - 1980).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Opel |
| Model: | Senator |
| Generation: | A (facelift 1982) |
| Modification (Engine): | 2.5 E (136 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 1981 |
| End of production: | 1982 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 136 Hp @ 5600 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 54.6 Hp/l [17mm more] |
| Torque: | 185 Nm @ 4600 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | H25E More details about the engine H25E |
| Engine displacement: | 2490 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 5.5 l |
| Coolant: | 10 l |
| Cylinder Bore: | 87 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 69.8 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.2:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 12 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 13 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 13 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 185 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 10.1 kg/Hp, 99.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7.4 kg/Nm, 135 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 12.4 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1370 |
| Max. weight: | 1900 |
| Max load: | 530 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 715 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 75 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4828 mm mm [17mm more] |
| Width: | 1728 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1415 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2683 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1443 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 | 3 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc [above average] |
The hidden gems or the annoying flaws? Expose the truth about the Opel Senator!