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Opel Senator B 3.0i CAT (177 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)
B Overview:
Opel Senator (B). With 240 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1492 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 10.3 s). The top speed reaches 215 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.
The Opel Senator B was produced before Euro NCAP testing began in 1997, so no official rating is available. Safety features were typical for executive cars of its era, focusing on passive safety structures.
3.0i CAT (177 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 177 Hp engine provides strong performance, but the automatic gearbox extends the 0-100 km/h time to 10.3 seconds, still making it a swift and comfortable cruiser.
Fuel Economy
Achieving 9 l/100 km, this automatic 3.0L with a catalytic converter offers a very good balance of power and efficiency for its class and era.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Excellent ride comfort and refinement for its class
- • Spacious and well-appointed interior
- • Strong and smooth inline-six petrol engines, especially the 24V
- • Robust build quality and durable mechanicals
- • Distinctive, understated executive styling
Cons:
- • Fuel economy can be high on petrol models, especially older automatics
- • Some parts can be difficult to source due to age
- • Rear-wheel drive handling can be challenging in adverse conditions for some
- • Resale value was historically low, though now gaining classic appeal
- • Diesel engines are less refined and slower than petrol counterparts
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(B: August, 1990 - June, 1993).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Opel |
| Model: | Senator |
| Generation: | B |
| Modification (Engine): | 3.0i CAT (177 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | January, 1988 |
| End of production: | May, 1993 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 177 Hp @ 5800 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 59.6 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 240 Nm @ 4200 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | C30NE More details about the engine C30NE |
| 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: | 9.2:1 |
| Maximum engine speed: | 6300 rpm. |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 15.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 7.4 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 9 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 10.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 10.3 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 215 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 8.2 kg/Hp, 121.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.1 kg/Nm, 164.9 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 9.8 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1455-1530 |
| Max. weight: | 2005-2035 |
| Max. roof load: | 100 kg |
| Max load: | 505-550 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 930 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 530 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 1700 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 75 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 720 kg |
| Permitted towbar download: | 75 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4845 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1763 mm mm [20mm more] |
| Height: | 1450 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2730 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1450 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1468 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 140 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 10.95 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 | 205/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 6J x 15; 7J x 15 |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent coil spring, Transverse stabilizer, Trailing arm |
Every driver has a story. What’s yours with the Opel Senator?