The Opel Senator A (facelift 1982) 2.3 TD (86 Hp) represents a significant offering from the German automaker Opel, designed to compete in the executive car segment within the European market. This variant, part of the A2 generation produced from 1984 to 1986, was never officially sold in the United States. However, it played a vital role in Opel’s strategy to provide a blend of comfort, engineering prowess, and modern powertrain options to European consumers. The 2.3-liter turbocharged diesel engine showcased Opel’s commitment to fuel efficiency and torque, increasingly important considerations for buyers of larger sedans during this period.
Opel Senator A (facelift 1982): A German Executive Sedan
The Opel Senator, launched in 1978, was intended to fill the gap between the Opel Commodore and the more luxurious Opel Diplomat. The Senator A, and subsequently the facelifted A2 version in 1982, aimed to provide a modern, spacious, and well-equipped sedan for discerning European drivers. While Opel had a presence in the UK (as Vauxhall), the Senator was primarily marketed across continental Europe, establishing itself as a credible alternative to British, German, and Swedish competitors. The 2.3 TD model specifically targeted buyers seeking a balance between performance and economy, capitalizing on the growing popularity of diesel engines in the executive car class.
Engine & Performance
The Opel Senator A (facelift 1982) 2.3 TD was powered by a 2.3-liter (2260 cm3 or 137.91 cubic inches) inline four-cylinder diesel engine. This engine was notable for its turbocharger, a relatively advanced feature for a diesel passenger car in the mid-1980s. The engine produced 86 horsepower at 4200 rpm, and a more substantial 139.4 lb.-ft. (189 Nm) of torque between 2200 and 2400 rpm. This broad torque curve provided strong pulling power and relaxed cruising, characteristics highly valued in a diesel engine.
Power was transmitted to the rear wheels through a five-speed manual transmission, a common preference in Europe for its efficiency and driver engagement. The Senator A 2.3 TD could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 15.7 seconds (0-100 km/h in 16.5 seconds), reaching a top speed of 103.77 mph (167 km/h). These figures prioritized fuel economy and longevity over outright performance. Combined fuel consumption was rated at an impressive 30.9 US mpg (7.6 liters per 100 km), a significant selling point for executive car buyers. The engine featured a high compression ratio of 23:1, utilizing a precombustion chamber injection system typical of indirect injection diesels of the era. A SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) valvetrain with two valves per cylinder contributed to the engine’s reliability and ease of maintenance. Bore and stroke measured 92 mm (3.62 inches) and 85 mm (3.35 inches), respectively.
Design & Features
The 1982 facelift of the Senator A brought a more aerodynamic and modernized aesthetic. Changes included a revised grille, headlights, and taillights, along with improved bumpers. These modifications lowered the drag coefficient to 0.39, a respectable figure for a large sedan of the period, enhancing both fuel economy and high-speed stability. The body style remained a classic four-door sedan, offering comfortable seating for five passengers.
The Senator A measured 190.51 inches (4839 mm) in length, 67.8 inches (1722 mm) in width, and 55.71 inches (1415 mm) in height, giving it a substantial road presence. A wheelbase of 105.63 inches (2683 mm) contributed to a stable ride and generous interior space. Trunk capacity was a generous 25.25 cubic feet (715 liters), making it practical for long journeys and family use. The vehicle’s kerb weight of 3108.52 lbs (1410 kg) provided a solid, planted feel on the road. The Senator A featured ventilated disc brakes at the front and disc brakes at the rear, providing adequate stopping power. The rear-wheel-drive layout, combined with a minimum turning circle of 35.43 feet (10.8 meters), offered a balance of traditional handling and maneuverability.
Technical Specifications: Opel Senator A (facelift 1982) 2.3 TD (86 Hp)
| Category | Specification |
| General Information | |
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Senator |
| Generation | Senator A (facelift 1982) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.3 TD (86 Hp) |
| Start of Production | 1984 |
| End of Production | 1986 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body Type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Performance Specs | |
| Fuel Consumption (combined) | 7.6 l/100 km (30.9 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph (Calculated) | 15.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 16.5 sec |
| Maximum Speed | 103.77 mph (167 km/h) |
| Weight-to-Power Ratio | 16.4 kg/Hp (61 Hp/tonne) |
| Weight-to-Torque Ratio | 7.5 kg/Nm (134 Nm/tonne) |
| Engine Specs | |
| Power | 86 Hp @ 4200 rpm |
| Power per liter | 38.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 139.4 lb.-ft. (189 Nm) @ 2200-2400 rpm |
| Engine Displacement | 2260 cm3 (137.91 cu. in.) |
| Number of Cylinders | 4 |
| Engine Configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 92 mm (3.62 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 85 mm (3.35 in.) |
| Compression Ratio | 23:1 |
| Number of Valves per Cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel Injection System | Precombustion chamber injection |
| Engine Aspiration | Turbocharger |
| Valvetrain | SOHC |
| Space, Volume and Weights | |
| Kerb Weight | 3108.52 lbs (1410 kg) |
| Max. Weight | 4321.06 lbs (1960 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 | 35.43 ft. (10.8 m) |
| Drivetrain, Brakes and Suspension Specs | |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Internal combustion engine drives the rear wheels. |
| Drive Wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of Gears and Type of Gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front Brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear Brakes | Disc |
The Opel Senator A (facelift 1982) 2.3 TD (86 Hp), despite its relatively short production run for this specific diesel variant, was a significant contender in the European executive car market. It competed with models like the Ford Granada/Scorpio, Mercedes-Benz W123/W124 E-Class, and BMW E28 5 Series. While lacking the prestige of its German rivals, the Senator offered a compelling value proposition: a spacious, comfortable, and well-engineered rear-wheel-drive sedan at a more accessible price. The turbocharged diesel engine demonstrated Opel’s commitment to fuel efficiency in the executive car segment. Today, the Senator A is appreciated by enthusiasts for its straightforward engineering, comfortable interior, and distinctive 1980s styling, representing a dependable and understated executive sedan from a pivotal era in European automotive history.
