Opel Senator A (facelift ) 2.5 E (140 Hp)

The Opel Senator A (facelift 1982) 2.5 E (140 Hp): A European Executive Sedan

The Opel Senator A, particularly in its facelifted iteration from 1982, represented Opel’s ambitious foray into the executive car segment, aiming to offer a blend of comfort, performance, and sophistication to discerning European buyers. The variant under discussion, the Opel Senator A (facelift 1982) 2.5 E (140 Hp), produced between 1984 and 1986, stood as a testament to Opel’s engineering capabilities and commitment to the rear-wheel-drive, straight-six formula that characterized many premium European sedans of its time. While never officially sold in the United States, the Senator was Opel’s flagship model, embodying a sense of understated luxury and robust reliability in its primary European markets, where it competed with established German rivals and offered a compelling alternative for those seeking a spacious and powerful grand tourer.

As a full-size, four-door sedan, the Senator A shared its platform with the Opel Monza coupe, a strategy that allowed Opel to leverage development costs while offering distinct body styles for different market tastes. The 1982 facelift brought significant aesthetic and aerodynamic improvements, modernizing its appearance and enhancing its efficiency, ensuring it remained competitive in a rapidly evolving automotive landscape. The 2.5 E model, with its potent inline-six engine, was positioned as a strong performer within the lineup, capable of comfortable long-distance cruising and respectable acceleration.

Engine and Performance of the Opel Senator A (facelift 1982) 2.5 E (140 Hp)

At the heart of the Opel Senator A (facelift 1982) 2.5 E (140 Hp) was Opel’s renowned 2.5-liter (2490 cm3 or 151.95 cu. in.) inline-six gasoline engine, designated with the code 25NE. This naturally aspirated powerhouse was a hallmark of Opel’s larger vehicles, celebrated for its smoothness, durability, and linear power delivery. Equipped with a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) and a multi-port manifold injection system, the engine produced a healthy 140 horsepower at 5200 rpm. This output translated to a power-per-liter figure of 56.2 HP/l, a respectable metric for a naturally aspirated engine of that era.

Torque was equally impressive for its time, peaking at 151.2 lb.-ft. (205 Nm) at 4000 rpm, providing ample pulling power for confident overtakes and relaxed highway driving. The engine’s robust characteristics were well-suited to the Senator’s executive aspirations, offering a refined driving experience. Power was channeled to the rear wheels via a standard 5-speed manual transmission, which allowed drivers to fully exploit the engine’s capabilities. This traditional rear-wheel-drive architecture contributed to the car’s balanced handling and classic driving dynamics.

In terms of outright performance, the Senator 2.5 E was capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 10.5 seconds, with a top speed reaching 123.03 mph (198 km/h). These figures placed it firmly in contention with its peers, offering a spirited yet composed performance. Fuel economy for the combined cycle was rated at 23.1 US mpg (10.2 l/100 km), which was considered reasonable for a large, six-cylinder sedan of the mid-1980s, especially given its focus on comfort and performance rather than ultimate frugality. The substantial 19.81 US gallon (75-liter) fuel tank ensured a generous cruising range, perfect for long European journeys.

Design and Features

The 1982 facelift of the Opel Senator A brought a more contemporary and aerodynamic aesthetic, improving upon the original 1978 design. The four-door sedan body style provided ample space for five occupants, emphasizing comfort and practicality. The exterior featured revised front and rear fascias, incorporating a more modern grille, updated headlights, and restyled taillights that gave the car a sleeker, more integrated look. The drag coefficient (Cd) was reduced to 0.39, a notable achievement for a large sedan in the early 1980s, contributing to better fuel efficiency and reduced wind noise at higher speeds.

Measuring 190.51 inches in length, 67.8 inches in width, and 55.71 inches in height, with a wheelbase of 105.63 inches, the Senator A offered a commanding road presence and a spacious interior. The cabin was designed with driver and passenger comfort in mind, featuring supportive seating and a well-appointed dashboard. While specific luxury features varied by market and optional packages, the Senator typically offered amenities such as power windows, central locking, and a sophisticated heating and ventilation system. Higher trim levels could include features like air conditioning, power-adjustable mirrors, and upgraded audio systems, all contributing to its executive appeal.

Safety and handling were also key considerations. The Senator A utilized a robust suspension setup, with ventilated disc brakes at the front and disc brakes at the rear, providing reliable stopping power. Its curb weight of 3020.33 lbs. (1370 kg) contributed to a solid and stable ride, especially at high speeds. The large trunk capacity of 25.25 cu. ft. (715 liters) made the Senator a practical choice for families or business travelers requiring significant luggage space.

Technical Specifications

Legacy and Market Impact

The Opel Senator A, particularly the facelifted 2.5 E variant, holds a significant place in Opel’s history as its top-tier offering during the mid-1980s. It represented Opel’s enduring commitment to the executive segment, a battleground dominated by fierce competition. In Europe, the Senator directly challenged established players like the BMW 5-Series (E28), the Mercedes-Benz W123 and later the W124, the Ford Granada (later Scorpio), and the Audi 100/200. While perhaps not possessing the same aspirational badge prestige as its Bavarian rivals, the Senator carved out a niche for itself as a comfortable, reliable, and well-equipped executive sedan that offered excellent value.

Its reputation was built on its robust engineering, the smooth and durable inline-six engines, and a focus on ride comfort, making it an ideal vehicle for long-distance travel. The Senator was often favored by those who appreciated its understated elegance and solid build quality over overt displays of luxury. Its practicality and reliability also made it a popular choice for fleet operators, police forces, and taxi services in several European countries, further cementing its image as a dependable workhorse capable of handling demanding usage.

The Senator A’s mechanical impact was significant as it showcased Opel’s ability to produce large, sophisticated rear-wheel-drive vehicles at a time when many manufacturers were transitioning to front-wheel drive. Its platform and powertrain formed the basis for other successful Opel models, demonstrating the company’s engineering prowess. The facelifted model, with its improved aerodynamics and modernized styling, ensured that the Senator remained relevant and attractive throughout its production run, paving the way for its successor, the Senator B, which continued Opel’s presence in the executive segment until the mid-1990s.

Today, the Opel Senator A is regarded as a classic European executive car, appreciated by enthusiasts for its comfortable ride, strong six-cylinder engines, and the distinctive charm of 1980s German automotive design. It stands as a reminder of an era when Opel, a division of General Motors, produced a diverse range of vehicles, from small city cars to large, luxurious sedans, catering to a broad spectrum of European tastes.