Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Opel Senator A (facelift 1982) 3.0 E (180 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 248 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1385 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 10.5 s). The top speed reaches 205 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.
3.0 E (180 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Delivers robust performance, though the automatic transmission adds a slight delay compared to the manual, still very potent for its class.
Fuel Economy
Fuel consumption of 10.6 l/100 km is high, but expected for a powerful 3.0L automatic executive car.
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): 1981 - 1982).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Opel |
| Model: | Senator |
| Generation: | A (facelift 1982) |
| Modification (Engine): | 3.0 E (180 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 1982 |
| End of production: | 1986 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 180 Hp @ 5800 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 60.6 Hp/l [11mm more] |
| Torque: | 248 Nm @ 4200 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | 30E More details about the engine 30E |
| Engine displacement: | 2969 |
| 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: | CIH |
| Engine oil capacity: | 5.5 l |
| Coolant: | 10.1 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 95 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 69.8 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.4:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 14.6 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 7.5 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 10.6 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 10.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 10.5 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 205 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 7.7 kg/Hp, 130 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.6 kg/Nm, 179.1 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 10 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1385 |
| Max. weight: | 1935 |
| Max. roof load: | 80 kg |
| Max load: | 550 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 715 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 1600 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 75 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 700 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4839 mm mm [11mm more] |
| Width: | 1722 mm mm [6mm less] |
| Height: | 1415 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2683 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1447 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1472 mm |
| Front overhang: | 891 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 1265 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 | 4 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc [above average] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 195/70 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 6J x 14 |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent coil spring, Transverse stabilizer, Trailing arm |
The hidden gems or the annoying flaws? Expose the truth about the Opel Senator!