The Opel Senator A (facelift 1982) 2.0 E (110 Hp) was Opel’s offering in the European executive car segment. As a large, rear-wheel-drive sedan, the Senator A positioned itself above the Rekord and Ascona models, targeting buyers seeking comfort, space, and refinement without the higher price tags associated with Mercedes-Benz or BMW. The 1982 facelift brought styling updates and the 2.0-liter “E” (Einspritzung, meaning fuel injection) engine served as an accessible entry point into the Senator lineup, balancing performance with improved fuel economy for the time. While Opel had a past presence in the US through Buick, by the 1980s, the brand was primarily focused on the European market, making the Senator a distinctly European vehicle.
Opel Senator A (facelift 1982) 2.0 E: An Overview
The Senator A, launched in 1978, was Opel’s attempt to create a flagship sedan that could compete with established luxury brands. The 1982 facelift was a significant update, modernizing the car’s appearance and improving its aerodynamic efficiency. The 2.0 E variant, powered by a fuel-injected four-cylinder engine, was a popular choice for those prioritizing practicality and reasonable running costs. It represented a sweet spot in the Senator range, offering a comfortable and spacious driving experience without the expense of the larger, more powerful engine options.
Engine & Performance
The Opel Senator A (facelift 1982) 2.0 E (110 Hp) was equipped with an inline four-cylinder engine displacing 1,979 cubic centimeters (120.77 cubic inches). This engine featured multi-port fuel injection, a relatively advanced technology for the early 1980s that improved fuel atomization and combustion efficiency compared to carbureted engines. The engine utilized a Single Overhead Camshaft (SOHC) valvetrain with two valves per cylinder, a design known for its durability and ease of maintenance.
The engine produced 110 horsepower at 5400 rpm, resulting in a power-per-liter output of 55.6 hp/l. Torque figures were rated at 162 Newton-meters (119.49 lb.-ft.) at 3000 rpm, providing good low-end pulling power for everyday driving and cruising. Power was delivered to the rear wheels through a 5-speed manual transmission, offering drivers more control and potentially better fuel economy than the available automatic options.
Performance figures included an estimated 0-60 mph time of 12.8 seconds and a 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) time of 13.5 seconds. The top speed was rated at 111.85 mph (180 km/h). While not a sports car, these figures were competitive for an entry-level executive sedan of the era, prioritizing comfortable cruising over outright speed. Combined fuel consumption was approximately 9.2 liters per 100 kilometers (25.6 US mpg), a reasonable figure for a vehicle of its size and engine capacity in the early 1980s.
Design & Features
The 1982 facelift of the Opel Senator A brought a more streamlined and modern aesthetic, aligning its styling with the contemporary Opel Rekord E2 and Ascona C. The design softened the sharper lines of the original model, improving aerodynamics. The Senator A (facelift 1982) 2.0 E (110 Hp) retained the classic four-door sedan body style, offering a spacious and comfortable cabin for four passengers.
The vehicle’s dimensions were substantial for the time, measuring 190.51 inches (4839 mm) in length, 67.8 inches (1722 mm) in width, and 55.71 inches (1415 mm) in height. A generous wheelbase of 105.63 inches (2683 mm) contributed to a smooth ride and ample interior space, particularly for rear occupants. The revised grille, updated headlights, and integrated bumpers contributed to a drag coefficient of 0.39, which was respectable for a large sedan of the period, improving both fuel economy and reducing wind noise.
Inside, the Senator offered a well-appointed interior with comfortable seating and a logical dashboard layout. Standard equipment for the 2.0 E trim included features focused on driver and passenger comfort, suitable for long journeys. The trunk space was particularly generous, offering 715 liters (25.25 cubic feet) of capacity, making it practical for families or business travelers. Safety features, typical for the era, included disc brakes on all four wheels, providing confident stopping power for a vehicle weighing 2943.17 pounds (1335 kg) at the curb.
Technical Specifications
| Category | Specification |
| General Information | |
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Senator |
| Generation | Senator A (facelift 1982) |
| Engine Type | 2.0 E (110 Hp) |
| Start of Production | 1982 |
| End of Production | 1984 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion Engine |
| Body Type | Sedan |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Performance Specs | |
| Fuel Consumption (Combined) | 9.2 l/100 km (25.6 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph (0-100 km/h) | 13.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 12.8 sec |
| Maximum Speed | 111.85 mph (180 km/h) |
| Weight-to-Power Ratio | 12.1 kg/Hp (82.4 Hp/tonne) |
| Weight-to-Torque Ratio | 8.2 kg/Nm (121.3 Nm/tonne) |
| Engine Specs | |
| Power | 110 Hp @ 5400 rpm |
| Power per Liter | 55.6 Hp/l |
| Torque | 162 Nm (119.49 lb.-ft.) @ 3000 rpm |
| Engine Displacement | 1979 cm3 (120.77 cu. in.) |
| Number of Cylinders | 4 |
| Engine Configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 95 mm (3.74 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 69.8 mm (2.75 in.) |
| 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 | 3.8 l (4.02 US qt) |
| Space, Volume and Weights | |
| Kerb Weight | 1335 kg (2943.17 lbs.) |
| Max. Weight (GVWR) | 1885 kg (4155.71 lbs.) |
| Max Load | 550 kg (1212.54 lbs.) |
| Trunk (Boot) Space – Maximum | 715 l (25.25 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 l (19.81 US gal) |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 4839 mm (190.51 in.) |
| Width | 1722 mm (67.8 in.) |
| Height | 1415 mm (55.71 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2683 mm (105.63 in.) |
| Front Track | 1447 mm (56.97 in.) |
| Rear Track | 1472 mm (57.95 in.) |
| Ride Height (Ground Clearance) | 140 mm (5.51 in.) |
| Drag Coefficient (Cd) | 0.39 |
| Minimum Turning Circle | 10.8 m (35.43 ft.) |
| Drivetrain, Brakes and Suspension Specs | |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Rear-wheel drive |
| Drive Wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of Gears and Type of Gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front Brakes | Disc |
| Rear Brakes | Disc |
The Opel Senator A, particularly the facelifted 1982 model, was a significant vehicle for Opel, solidifying its position in the European executive car market. While it didn’t achieve the prestige of its German rivals, it offered a compelling combination of space, comfort, and value. The 2.0 E variant provided a sensible and efficient option for buyers who prioritized practicality and a comfortable driving experience. Today, the Senator A is remembered as a dependable and well-engineered sedan, appreciated by enthusiasts for its classic styling and enduring quality.
