The Opel Senator A (facelift 1982): A European Executive Sedan
The Opel Senator A (facelift 1982) represents a significant chapter in the history of European executive automobiles, serving as Opel’s flagship sedan in the early 1980s. Produced by the German automaker Opel, a subsidiary of General Motors, the Senator was positioned above the Rekord and Commodore models, aiming to compete in the demanding luxury and executive car segments primarily across Europe. While Opel vehicles were occasionally rebadged and sold in other markets, the Senator itself was not directly offered under the Opel brand in the United States, making its primary impact felt within its native continent. This particular variant, the 2.0 E (115 Hp), was part of the refreshed A-generation, which received a significant update in 1982, enhancing its styling, features, and powertrain options to keep pace with evolving market expectations. Manufactured from 1983 to 1984, this iteration of the Senator A combined traditional German engineering with a focus on comfort and practicality, embodying the design philosophies prevalent in the early 1980s.
Engine and Performance of the Opel Senator A (facelift 1982) 2.0 E
Under the hood, the Opel Senator A (facelift 1982) 2.0 E featured a robust inline four-cylinder engine, a common and reliable configuration for Opel during this era. This naturally aspirated gasoline (petrol) engine boasted a displacement of 1,979 cubic centimeters (120.77 cu. in.), and was equipped with a Single Overhead Camshaft (SOHC) valvetrain with two valves per cylinder. Fuel delivery was handled by a multi-port manifold injection system, a step up from carburetion, contributing to better fuel efficiency and smoother power delivery for its time. With a compression ratio of 9.4:1, the engine produced a respectable 115 horsepower at 5600 rpm. Torque output stood at 160 Nm, or approximately 118.01 lb.-ft., peaking at 4200 rpm, providing ample pulling power for a vehicle of its size.
Power was channeled to the rear wheels through a 5-speed manual transmission, a setup favored by many enthusiasts and drivers for its direct engagement and control. This powertrain architecture, with its rear-wheel-drive layout, provided a balanced driving experience, characteristic of executive sedans of the period. In terms of performance, the 2.0 E variant could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a calculated 12 seconds, reaching a top speed of 111.85 mph (180 km/h). While not a performance-oriented powerhouse, these figures were competitive for a large four-cylinder executive sedan in the early 1980s, emphasizing comfortable cruising and reliable daily driving rather than outright speed. The combined fuel consumption was rated at 9.2 liters per 100 kilometers, translating to approximately 25.6 US mpg, which was a reasonable figure for a vehicle of its weight and class.
Design and Features
The Opel Senator A (facelift 1982) retained the classic four-door sedan body style, a staple of the executive car segment. Its exterior design, updated with the 1982 facelift, featured cleaner lines and a more contemporary aesthetic compared to its pre-facelift predecessor, aligning with the evolving design language of the early 1980s. With a length of 190.51 inches (4839 mm), a width of 67.8 inches (1722 mm), and a height of 55.71 inches (1415 mm), the Senator projected a substantial and imposing presence on the road. The wheelbase of 105.63 inches (2683 mm) contributed to a stable ride and a spacious cabin, comfortably accommodating five occupants.
Inside, the Senator was designed with comfort and practicality in mind, offering a well-appointed interior that emphasized quality materials and ergonomic controls. While specific interior features are not detailed in the raw data, executive sedans of this era typically included amenities like comfortable cloth or optional leather seating, power windows, central locking, and advanced (for the time) heating and ventilation systems. The large trunk space of 25.25 cu. ft. (715 liters) was particularly generous, making the Senator a highly practical vehicle for long journeys or family use. Safety features, while not as advanced as modern cars, would have included robust construction and effective braking systems. The Senator A came equipped with ventilated disc brakes at the front and disc brakes at the rear, ensuring confident stopping power for a vehicle weighing 2943.17 lbs (1335 kg) (curb weight). Its turning circle of 35.43 feet (10.8 meters) was also quite maneuverable for a car of its dimensions, aiding in urban driving.
Technical Specifications
| Category | Specification | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Opel | |
| Model | Senator | |
| Generation | Senator A (facelift 1982) | |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 E (115 Hp) | |
| Start of production | 1983 year | |
| End of production | 1984 year | |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine | |
| Body type | Sedan | |
| Seats | 5 | |
| Doors | 4 | |
| Performance Specs | ||
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 25.6 US mpg (9.2 l/100 km) | |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) | |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 12 seconds | |
| Maximum speed | 111.85 mph (180 km/h) | |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.6 kg/Hp, 86.1 Hp/tonne | |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8.3 kg/Nm, 119.9 Nm/tonne | |
| Engine Specs | ||
| Power | 115 Hp @ 5600 rpm | |
| Power per liter | 58.1 Hp/l | |
| Torque | 118.01 lb.-ft. @ 4200 rpm (160 Nm) | |
| Engine displacement | 120.77 cu. in. (1979 cm3) | |
| Number of cylinders | 4 | |
| Engine configuration | Inline | |
| Cylinder Bore | 3.74 in. (95 mm) | |
| Piston Stroke | 2.75 in. (69.8 mm) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.4:1 | |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 | |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection | |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine | |
| Valvetrain | SOHC | |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.02 US qt (3.8 l) | |
| Space, Volume and Weights | ||
| Kerb Weight | 2943.17 lbs (1335 kg) | |
| Max. weight | 4155.71 lbs (1885 kg) | |
| Max load | 1212.54 lbs (550 kg) | |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 25.25 cu. ft. (715 l) | |
| Fuel tank capacity | 19.81 US gal (75 l) | |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 190.51 in. (4839 mm) | |
| Width | 67.8 in. (1722 mm) | |
| Height | 55.71 in. (1415 mm) | |
| Wheelbase | 105.63 in. (2683 mm) | |
| Front track | 56.97 in. (1447 mm) | |
| Rear (Back) track | 57.95 in. (1472 mm) | |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 5.51 in. (140 mm) | |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.39 | |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 35.43 ft. (10.8 m) | |
| Drivetrain, Brakes and Suspension Specs | ||
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. | |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive | |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission | |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs | |
| Rear brakes | Disc | |
Legacy and Market Impact
The Opel Senator A (facelift 1982) played a crucial role in Opel’s strategy to maintain a strong presence in the competitive European executive car market. It was designed to offer a compelling alternative to established rivals such as the Ford Granada, as well as premium offerings from BMW (like the 5 Series) and Mercedes-Benz (W123/W124 series). While it may not have carried the same luxury cachet as its German premium counterparts, the Senator carved out a reputation for being a robust, reliable, and comfortable vehicle that offered excellent value for money.
Its market impact was significant within its segment, particularly for buyers seeking a spacious and well-equipped sedan without the higher price tag associated with more prestigious brands. The facelift in 1982 helped to keep the Senator fresh and relevant, with updated styling and improved features appealing to a broad range of customers, including business professionals and families. The 2.0 E engine, while not the most powerful option available in the Senator range, provided a good balance of performance and fuel economy, making it an attractive choice for those prioritizing running costs alongside executive comfort.
Today, the Opel Senator A (facelift 1982) is regarded as a classic European sedan, appreciated by enthusiasts for its solid engineering, comfortable ride, and distinctive 1980s styling. Its rear-wheel-drive platform and straightforward mechanicals also contribute to its appeal among collectors and hobbyists. The Senator lineage continued with the Senator B, but the A-generation, especially in its facelifted form, remains a testament to Opel’s ambition in the executive class during a pivotal decade for automotive design and technology. It represents an era when European manufacturers were refining their offerings, blending traditional values with emerging technologies to meet the demands of a discerning market, solidifying its place in automotive history as a dependable and dignified executive cruiser.
