Opel Senator B 3.0i (177 Hp)


Overall Rating

7.5 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.5 / 5
Value 3.7 / 5
Performance 3.8 / 5
Comfort 4.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

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 1435 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 9 s). The top speed reaches 220 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.

Safety Rating
Not rated
Euro NCAP Year N/A
Adult Occupant N/A
Stars N/A
Expert Note:
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 (177 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

Without a catalytic converter, this 177 Hp manual variant delivers strong and direct performance, matching the CAT version's 9-second 0-100 km/h time.

Fuel Economy

Fuel consumption of 10.2 l/100 km is reasonable for a powerful 3.0L manual engine of its era, offering a good balance of power and efficiency.

Best Use Case: Highway / Enthusiast driving

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: October, 1989 - May, 1993).

General:
Brand:Opel
Model:Senator
Generation:B
Modification (Engine):3.0i (177 Hp)
Start of production:September, 1987
End of production:August, 1990
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Sedan
Seats:5
Doors:4
Engine:
Power:177 Hp @ 5600 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:59.6 Hp/l [Same length.]
Torque:240 Nm @ 4400 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:30NE More details about the engine 30NE
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
Maximum engine speed:6300 rpm.
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:10.2 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:9 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:9 sec
Maximum speed:220 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:8.1 kg/Hp, 123.3 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:6 kg/Nm, 167.2 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:8.6 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1435
Max. weight:2005
Max. roof load:100 kg
Max load:570
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 [Same width.]
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 ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears5
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDisc [above average]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeCone worm with recirculation balls
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size205/65 R15
Wheel rims size6J x 15
Front suspensionIndependent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar
Rear suspensionIndependent coil spring, Transverse stabilizer, Trailing arm

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