The Opel Senator A (facelift 1982) 2.2i (115 Hp) represents a significant chapter in Opel’s history, serving as the German automaker’s flagship executive sedan during the 1980s. First introduced in 1978, the Senator A was Opel’s answer to the burgeoning luxury and executive car market in Europe, directly competing with established players and offering a blend of comfort, space, and robust engineering. The model underwent a notable facelift in 1982, refining its aesthetics and introducing updated powertrains. The specific 2.2i (115 Hp) variant, produced from 1984 to 1986, offered a compelling balance of performance and efficiency for its time, embodying the practical luxury that Opel aimed to deliver to its discerning European clientele. While never officially sold in the United States under the Opel badge, the Senator shared its platform with the Vauxhall Royale/Senator in the UK and was a recognizable figure on European roads, prized for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and straightforward mechanics.
Opel Senator A (facelift 1982) 2.2i: An Executive Overview
The Opel Senator A, particularly the facelifted version from 1982 onwards, occupied a crucial position in the European automotive landscape. It was designed to provide a spacious and comfortable alternative to more expensive luxury sedans, appealing to buyers who prioritized practicality and value. The Senator A aimed to deliver a premium experience without the premium price tag, establishing itself as a popular choice for families and business professionals alike. Its design and engineering reflected the German automotive ethos of the time – robust, reliable, and understated elegance.
Engine & Performance
The Opel Senator A (facelift 1982) 2.2i (115 Hp) was powered by a 2.2-liter (2197 cm3 or 134.07 cu. in.) inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine employed a Single Overhead Camshaft (SOHC) configuration with two valves per cylinder, a common and proven design for the era. Fuel delivery was handled by a multi-port fuel injection system, a significant improvement over older carburetor technology, resulting in enhanced fuel efficiency and smoother engine operation. The engine’s naturally aspirated design meant it relied on displacement and efficient combustion rather than forced induction for power.
Producing 115 horsepower at 4800 rpm, the 2.2i engine offered a power-to-liter ratio of 52.3 hp per liter. Torque output peaked at 182 Newton-meters (134.24 lb.-ft.) at 2800 rpm, providing ample low-end grunt for comfortable cruising and everyday driving. Power was transmitted to the rear wheels through a 5-speed manual transmission, offering drivers a direct and engaging driving experience. Performance figures were competitive for its class; the Senator could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 10.9 seconds, reaching a top speed of 113.71 mph (183 km/h). Fuel economy was rated at 8.9 liters per 100 kilometers (26.4 US mpg) in combined driving conditions, a respectable figure for a vehicle of its size and power in the mid-1980s. The vehicle’s weight-to-power ratio was 11.5 kg per horsepower (87.1 Hp per tonne).
Design & Features
The Opel Senator A, especially after the 1982 facelift, showcased a dignified and understated design typical of German executive cars of the period. It was a classic 4-door sedan, designed to comfortably accommodate five passengers. The facelift brought subtle but noticeable changes to the front and rear styling, including revised grille designs, headlamps, and taillights, resulting in a more modern and aerodynamic appearance. The drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.39 was respectable for a large sedan of the mid-1980s, contributing to both fuel efficiency and reduced wind noise at higher speeds.
The Senator A was a substantial vehicle, measuring 190.51 inches (4839 mm) in length, 67.8 inches (1722 mm) in width, and 55.71 inches (1415 mm) in height. Its generous 105.63-inch (2683 mm) wheelbase provided a spacious cabin and a stable ride. The interior prioritized comfort and practicality, offering ample legroom and headroom. Typical features for an executive car of this era included power windows, central locking, and a well-designed dashboard with clear instrumentation. The trunk offered a generous 715 liters (25.25 cu. ft.) of cargo space, making it ideal for long journeys and family use. The suspension system was independent, tuned for comfort and capable of absorbing road imperfections. Braking was provided by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. The rear-wheel-drive layout and a relatively tight 35.43-foot (10.8 m) turning circle provided a traditional driving feel and good maneuverability.
Technical Specifications: Opel Senator A (facelift 1982) 2.2i (115 Hp)
| Category | Specification |
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Senator |
| Generation | Senator A (facelift 1982) |
| Engine Type | 2.2i (115 Hp) |
| Production Start | 1984 |
| Production End | 1986 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion Engine, Rear Wheel Drive |
| Body Type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel Consumption (Combined) | 8.9 l/100 km (26.4 US mpg) |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.9 seconds |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph (0-100 km/h) | 11.5 seconds |
| Maximum Speed | 113.71 mph (183 km/h) |
| Power | 115 Hp @ 4800 rpm |
| Power per liter | 52.3 Hp/l |
| Torque | 182 Nm (134.24 lb.-ft.) @ 2800 rpm |
| Engine Displacement | 2197 cm3 (2.2 liters / 134.07 cu. in.) |
| Number of Cylinders | 4 |
| Engine Configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 3.74 in. (95 mm) |
| Piston Stroke | 3.05 in. (77.5 mm) |
| Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel Injection System | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine Aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Valvetrain | SOHC |
| Kerb Weight | 2910.1 lbs. (1320 kg) |
| Max. Weight | 4155.71 lbs. (1885 kg) |
| Max Load | 1245.61 lbs. (565 kg) |
| Trunk (Boot) Space | 25.25 cu. ft. (715 l) |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 19.81 US gal (75 l) |
| 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 Track | 57.95 in. (1472 mm) |
| Ride Height (Ground Clearance) | 5.51 in. (140 mm) |
| Drag Coefficient (Cd) | 0.39 |
| Minimum Turning Circle | 35.43 ft. (10.8 m) |
| Drive Wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Gearbox Type | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front Brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear Brakes | Disc |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.5 kg/Hp (87.1 Hp/tonne) |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.3 kg/Nm (137.9 Nm/tonne) |
Legacy and Market Impact
The Opel Senator A (facelift 1982) 2.2i (115 Hp) played a crucial role in Opel’s strategy to compete in the executive segment across Europe. It was positioned as a more affordable yet highly capable alternative to premium German rivals like the BMW 5-Series (E28) and the Mercedes-Benz W123/W124 series, as well as mainstream competitors such as the Ford Granada. The Senator offered a compelling package for buyers seeking a large, comfortable, and reliable sedan without the often-higher price tag associated with its luxury counterparts.
Its reputation was built on its solid build quality, spacious interior, and comfortable ride, making it a popular choice for business executives, government fleets, and families requiring substantial passenger and cargo capacity. The 2.2i engine, while not the most powerful option available in the Senator range (which also included larger inline-six engines), offered a good balance of performance and running costs, appealing to a broader base of buyers who valued efficiency alongside comfort. The availability of a precise 5-speed manual transmission further enhanced its appeal to drivers who preferred more engagement than automatic offerings of the time. Although the Opel Senator A, and its subsequent Senator B generation, eventually faced increasing pressure from more sophisticated and badge-conscious competitors, the A-series remains a testament to Opel’s engineering capabilities in the 1980s. It is remembered for its robust mechanics, timeless design, and its role as a comfortable, long-distance cruiser. Today, the Opel Senator A, particularly well-preserved examples, is appreciated by classic car enthusiasts in Europe for its period charm, straightforward maintenance, and the glimpse it provides into the executive car market of a bygone era.
