View source for Opel Senator

{{short description|Executive car produced by the German automaker Opel}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2024}}
{{Infobox automobile
|name = Opel Senator
|image = Opel Senator CD.jpg
|caption = A first generation Opel Senator
|manufacturer = [[Opel]] ([[General Motors]])
|production = 1978–1993
|class = [[Executive car]] ([[E-segment]])
|predecessor = [[Opel Kapitän]]/[[Opel Admiral|Admiral]]/[[Opel Diplomat|Diplomat]]<br/>[[Vauxhall Victor #Product variants|Vauxhall Ventora]]
| successor =  [[Opel Omega B]]
}}
The '''Opel Senator''' is a full-size [[executive car]] ([[E-segment]]) produced by the German automaker [[Opel]], two generations of which were sold in Europe from 1978 until 1993. A [[sedan (automobile)|saloon]], its first incarnation was also available with a [[fastback]] [[coupé]] body as the [[Opel Monza]] and '''Vauxhall Royale Coupé'''.<ref>[http://classics.honestjohn.co.uk/reviews/vauxhall/royale/ Vauxhall Royale and Royale Coupe (1978–1984)], Honest John, 22 August 2013</ref>  The Senator was, for its entire existence, the flagship saloon model for both Opel and Vauxhall.

Through the international divisions of [[General Motors]], it was also known in various markets as the '''Chevrolet Senator''', [[Daewoo Imperial]] (in South Korea), '''Vauxhall Royale''' (until 1983) and '''Vauxhall Senator''' (which took the place of the Royale on Vauxhall models when the Opel brand was phased out from 1983).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aronline.co.uk/index.htm?jcarstoryf.htm |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120719200629/http://www.aronline.co.uk/index.htm?jcarstoryf.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=19 July 2012 |title=Austin Rover Online |publisher=Aronline.co.uk |access-date=21 March 2011 }}</ref> It was also sold as the '''Opel Kikinda''' in [[Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia|Yugoslavia]], where it was produced under licence by [[IDA-Opel]] in [[Kikinda]], [[Serbia]], after which it was named.<ref name="Kikinda">{{cite web | url = http://www.autoslavia.com/sajam-automobila-u-beogradu-1986-godine/ | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210224140252/autoslavia.com/sajam-automobila-u-beogradu-1986-godine/ | archive-date = 24 February 2021 | title = Sajam Automobila U Beogradu 1986. Godine | trans-title = 1986 Belgrade Car Show | work = autoslavia | language = sr | date = 28 February 2016 | first = Martin | last = Češenj }}</ref>

The original Senator was a ''de facto'' replacement for Opel's '''KAD''' cars (the [[Opel Kapitän]], [[Opel Admiral|Admiral]] and [[Opel Diplomat|Diplomat]]), which competed in the [[F-segment]] (full-size luxury) in which the KAD cars had sold poorly. Sister company [[Vauxhall Motors|Vauxhall]] had already abandoned the segment with the demise of its [[Vauxhall Cresta|Cresta]]/[[Vauxhall Viscount|Viscount]] models some years earlier, leaving the '''Ventora''' model (a luxury derivative of the [[Vauxhall Victor #Product variants|FE Victor/VX4]]) as its flagship offering but this was axed in 1976 with no direct replacement.

The Senator shared its [[automobile platform|platform]] with the smaller [[Opel Rekord]], the latter being lengthened to make the Senator. The second generation of that car, from 1987, shared its base with the Rekord's [[Opel Omega]] successor, which was again lengthened to produce the Senator.
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==Senator A (1978–1986)==
{{Infobox automobile
| image = SenatorA1CD7816082009.jpg
| name = Senator A
| aka = {{ubl
  | Chevrolet Senator (South Africa)
  | Opel Kikinda (Yugoslavia)
  | Vauxhall Royale (UK, until 1983)
  | Vauxhall Senator (UK, from 1984)
  }}
| production = 1978–1986
| assembly = {{ubl |Germany: [[Rüsselsheim]] |Yugoslavia: [[Kikinda]]}}
| class = [[Executive car]] ([[E-segment]])
| body_style = 4-door [[sedan (automobile)|saloon/sedan]]
| layout = [[FR layout]]
| platform = [[GM V platform (RWD)|V platform (RWD)]]
| engine = {{ubl
  | '''[[Petrol engine|petrol]]:'''
  | 1979 cc ''[[Opel cam-in-head engine#20E|20E]]'' [[Straight-four engine|I4]]
  | 2197 cc ''[[Opel cam-in-head engine#22E|22E]]'' I4
  | 2490&nbsp;cc ''[[Opel cam-in-head engine#25E|25E]]'' [[Straight-six engine|I6]]
  | 2784&nbsp;cc ''[[Opel cam-in-head engine#28S|28S]]'' I6
  | 2969&nbsp;cc ''[[Opel cam-in-head engine#30S|30S/30E]]'' I6
  | 4093&nbsp;cc ''[[Chevrolet Turbo-Thrift engine#250|Chevrolet 250]]'' I6 ([[South Africa|ZA]])
  | '''[[Diesel engine|diesel]]:'''
  | 2260 cc ''[[Opel cam-in-head engine#23DT|23DT]]'' [[Turbo-diesel|turbo]] I4
  | 2260 cc ''[[Opel cam-in-head engine#23DK|23DK]]'' [[Pressure wave supercharger|Comprex]] I4
  }}
| transmission = 
| wheelbase = {{convert|2685|mm|1|abbr=on}}
| length = {{convert|4810|mm|1|abbr=on}}
| width = {{convert|1722|mm|1|abbr=on}}
| height = {{convert|1415|mm|1|abbr=on}}
| weight = {{convert|1335-1450|kg|0|abbr=on}}
| related = [[Bitter SC|Bitter SC Coupé]]<br />[[Opel Monza]]<br />[[Opel Rekord Series E]]<br />[[Holden Commodore (VB)]]
}}

The '''Senator A''' was last part of a joint model programme executed by GM in the 1970s to develop a common series of vehicle platforms for both its European brands (and also for the Holden brand in Australia). The first two product families of this strategy – the [[General Motors T platform (RWD)|T-Car]] ([[Opel Kadett C|Kadett C]]/[[Vauxhall Chevette|Chevette]]) and the U-Car (Ascona B/Manta B/Cavalier) had already been released.  The  '''V-Car''' (or '''V78''') platform  would simultaneously provide the next-generation [[Opel Rekord]], a replacement for the [[Vauxhall Victor #FE Series Victor, VX4/90, Ventora, VX1800 and VX2300|Vauxhall FE Victor]], and a 'stretch' version to replace the  unsuccessful 'KAD' cars, and act as a flagship for both Opel and Vauxhall.

The Senator therefore emerged as a long wheelbase version of the [[Opel Rekord Series E|Opel Rekord E]], complemented by a three-door fastback coupé version on the same platform called the [[Opel Monza]], which was planned as a successor for the [[Opel Commodore]] coupé.

=== Names and markets ===

The Senator A and Monza were initially sold in the United Kingdom as the Vauxhall Royale (and Vauxhall Royale Coupé). Unlike other members of the joint Opel/Vauxhall model programme of the period, the Royale was simply a [[badge engineered]] version of the Senator with only detail differences from its Opel sister.

Following the merger of the UK Opel and Vauxhall dealer networks in 1982, the Opel marque was repositioned as a performance-luxury brand, and  the Vauxhall Royale models were dropped in favour of the Opel Senator/Monza, coinciding with the "A2" mid-cycle facelift.   This policy was reversed in late 1984, with the Senator reverting to Vauxhall branding for the 1985 model year, but the Monza remained on sale as an Opel until its discontinuation at the end of 1987.

The vehicle was also available in South Africa as the '''Chevrolet Senator''' until 1982, when it was rebadged as an Opel.<ref>[http://www.productioncars.com/gallery.php?car=15764&make=Chevrolet&model=Senator Chevrolet Senator]</ref> The Chevrolet Senator was fitted with a locally built version of [[Chevrolet Turbo-Thrift engine#250|Chevrolet's 250]] inline-six (4,093&nbsp;cc), with {{convert|132|PS|kW|abbr=on}}.<ref name="AR82">{{cite book | ref = AR82 | title = Automobil Revue '82 | editor-last = Büschi | editor-first = Hans-Ulrich | publisher = Hallwag, AG | language = de, fr | pages = 250–251 | location = Berne, Switzerland | volume = 77 | date = 3 March 1982 | isbn = 3-444-06062-9 }}</ref> The post-1982 South African Opel Senator received Australian-built, six-cylinder engines. In Serbia, the locally assembled Senator received the 2.5-litre six and was badged the "Opel Kikinda".<ref name="Kikinda"/>

The Senator and Rekord E were used as the base vehicle from which the [[Holden Commodore]] was developed for the Australian and New Zealand markets. The later [[Holden Commodore (VK)|VK Commodore]] was a hybrid between the two Opel cars, featuring the Senator's six light glasshouse grafted onto the Rekord E derived shell. 

<gallery widths="200" heights="130">
File:SenatorA1CD1978290505(4wik) (cropped).JPG|Opel Senator A1 rear<br>(1978–1982)
File:Hagerty Classic Cars UK Festival of the Unexceptional 2017 - 35982433131.jpg|Vauxhall Royale saloon
</gallery>

=== Engines ===
The engine range for the first phase of the model's life included the 2.8S and the newly developed 3.0E, which had {{convert|180|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} and {{convert|248|Nm|lbft|0|abbr=on}} with fuel injection. The three-speed [[automatic transmission]] was Opel's own design introduced in 1969, and was manufactured in Opel's transmission plant in Strasbourg, it was modified to cope with the new and improved power outputs.

Opel's own four speed [[manual transmission]] was not up to the job and they turned to transmission producer [[Getrag]], who installed their 264 four speed manual gearbox in the early four cylinder Monzas. This was replaced by the five speed 240 for the 2.5 and 2.8 engines, and the 265 gearbox for the 3.0E.

The [[straight-six engine]]s were all of the [[Opel cam-in-head engine]] design, as used in the earlier Commodore models and originating from the 1.7 and 1.9-litre straight four engines first used in the 1966 [[Opel Kadett|Kadett]] and Rekord. Opel would stick with the CIH engine design up until the 2.4 [[Isuzu MU#Market|Frontera]] in 1993.

With the 3.0 litre engine, the Monza was the fastest car Opel had built, capable of {{convert|215|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}}, and 0–100&nbsp;km/h (0–62&nbsp;mph) in 8.5 seconds. In June 1981, the fuel injected 2.5E engine also used in the smaller Commodore was added to the Senator/Monza lineup.<ref name=AR82b>[[#AR82|''Automobil Revue '82'']], pp. 432–433</ref> With {{convert|136|PS|kW|abbr=on}} it was very close to the now irrelevant 2.8 and its {{convert|140|PS|kW|abbr=on}}, and the 2.8S was discontinued in 1982.

==={{anchor|Facelift|A2}} Facelift (A2)===
The original Senator and Monza were facelifted in November 1982, although the Senator "A2" (as it is usually called) only went on sale in March 1983. In the United Kingdom, it was initially sold only as an Opel, before being rebadged as a Vauxhall in 1984. The A2 Monza was only sold as an Opel.

The facelifted car looked similar to its predecessor, with relatively minor changes: smoothed-off headlights increased in size, and chrome parts were changed to a matt black or colour coded finish. The car was much more slippery, with drag resistance down (from 0.45 to 0.36 <math>\scriptstyle C_\mathrm x\,</math>).<ref name="Mon813">{{cite journal | ref= ED1 | journal=Le Moniteur de l'Automobile | page = 107 | title= Essai detaillé: Opel Senator 2.2i| trans-title = Detailed Test | last= Pirotte | first= Marcel | location = Brussels, Belgium | language = fr | volume=36 | number=813 | date=24 January 1985 | publisher=Editions Auto-Magazine }}</ref> The top of the range 3.0E received upgraded Bosch LE-Jetronic fuel injection.

Interiors were improved with an altered dashboard and the new instrument pack with larger dials used in the Rekord E2, and engines changed. Now, the fuel-injected straight-four {{convert|110|PS|kW|0|adj=on|abbr=on}} [[Opel cam-in-head engine#2.0 litre I4|two-liter cam-in-head unit]] from the Rekord E2 was available, although with little fanfare; this and the 2.5 essentially replaced the [[Opel Commodore|Commodore]] which was itself quietly retired in 1982. Power of the 2.0 was soon increased to {{convert|115|PS|kW|0|abbr=on}}. In March 1983 a 2.3-litre turbodiesel (shared with the Rekord) became available, and a few months later ABS-brakes (hitherto only available for the Senator CD) became an available option across the entire Senator/Monza range.<ref name="Mon813"/> At the [[Paris Motor Show|Paris Show]] in September 1984 the 2.5E was given a new LE-Jetronic [[Robert Bosch GmbH|Bosch]] [[fuel injection]] system; power inched up to {{convert|140|PS|kW|abbr=on}}. The 2.0E was replaced by the torquier 2.2E, still with the same max power. Only the 3.0E engine remained untouched, although its name was changed to 3.0i.<ref name="Mon813"/> On the transmission side, the Strasbourg-built [[Turbo-Hydramatic 180|THM180 three-speed automatic]] was replaced by a four-speed unit. For the 1985 model year, the digital instrument display introduced in the Kadett E was available on the top models, although buyers could opt for the conventional analogue dials as a delete option.  The trim surrounding the windows was more blacked out than before as well, although ample chrome remained.<ref name="Mon813b">[[#ED1|Pirotte]], p. 113</ref>  the four-cylinder models were never sold in Vauxhall form in the United Kingdom.

<gallery widths="200px" heights="130px">
File:Opel Senator front 20080303.jpg|Opel Senator A2 (1982–1986)
File:Opel senator 1 h sst.jpg|Opel Senator A2 (rear)
File:Vauxhall Senator with war poppies registered August 1985 2968cc.JPG|Vauxhall Senator (A2)
</gallery>
Shortly thereafter, in November 1984 a supercharged version ([[Pressure wave supercharger|Comprex]]) was shown – at the time, the only production car in the world to use this technique. Going on sale in 1985, this very rare experimental version (1,000 units planned) were officially built by Irmscher rather than Opel.<ref name=Quattroruote>{{cite journal | journal = Quattroruote | title = Anteprima: Futuro Prossimo |trans-title=Preview: The Future is Near | language = it |date=January 1985 | volume = 30 | issue = 351 | publisher = Editoriale Domus | location = Milan, Italy | editor-first = Raffaele | editor-last = Mastrostefano | page = 61 }}</ref> The Comprex offered {{convert|95|PS|kW|0|abbr=on}} and a {{convert|172|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}} top speed, and acceleration figures showed a twelve percent improvement over the turbodiesel.<ref name=TM585>{{cite magazine | magazine = Tekniikan Maailma | ref = TM | date = 19 March 1985 | number = 5/85 | volume = 41 | issn = 0355-4287 | title = Comprex sarjatuotantoon | trans-title = Comprex for serial production | editor-last = Toivonen | editor-first = Rauno | publisher = TM-Julkaisu | location = Helsinki | language = fi | page = 33 }}</ref> Like the other Rekord and Senator diesels it had a pronounced bulge in the bonnet. The Comprex offered marginally higher power than the turbodiesel, but more importantly, 90 percent of the maximum torque was available from 1300&nbsp;rpm.<ref name=TM585/> From September 1985 until the end of production in the end of summer 1986, a catalyzed version of the 3.0E was available, with power down to {{convert|156|PS|kW|0|abbr=on}}.

=== Variants ===
A [[four-wheel drive]] conversion was also available, engineered by [[Ferguson Research Ltd.|Ferguson]], who had previously provided similar modifications for the [[Jensen FF]]. Rather expensive, this could also be retrofitted to an existing car.<ref name="fergy">{{cite journal | journal = [[#AR82|Automobil Revue '82]] | title = Hat der Vierradantrieb eine Zukunft?/L'avenir des quatre roues motrices? |trans-title=Does four-wheel drive have a future? | last = Frère | first = Paul | language = de, fr | page = 101 }}</ref> The system uses a [[Viscous coupling unit|viscous coupling]] to distribute power with a 60/40 rearward bias, to improve traction while maintaining the Senator's handling characteristics.<ref>{{cite magazine | magazine = [[Autoweek]] | last = Kacher | first = Georg | page = 8 | date = 24 August 1981 | title = All-wheel-drive Senator | issn = 0192-9674 | volume = 31 | number = 34 | publisher = Crain Press Inc. }}</ref> These were used by [[British Forces Germany]] under the [[BRIXMIS]] (British Commanders' in Chief Mission to the Soviet Forces in Germany) operations for the collection of technical intelligence. The same kit was also used by [[Bitter Cars]] for a four-wheel-drive version of their SC coupé, beginning in the end of 1981.<ref name="fergy"/>

A limited edition convertible edition was also available in Germany, where the company "Keinath" reinforced the car heavily, and this added to the all round weight to the car.
{{clear}}

=={{anchor|B}} Senator B (1987–1993)==
{{Infobox automobile
| image = Opel Senator B front 20080102.jpg
| name = Senator B
| aka = Vauxhall Senator
| production = 1987–1993
| assembly = Germany: [[Rüsselsheim]]
| class  = [[Executive car]] ([[E-segment]])
| body_style  = 4-door [[sedan (automobile)|saloon/sedan]]
| layout = [[FR layout]]
| platform  = [[GM V platform (RWD)|V platform (RWD)]]
| engine = {{ubl | 2.5 L ''[[Opel Straight-6 engine#2.5|25NE]]'' [[Straight-six engine|I6]] | 2.6 L ''[[C26NE]]'' I6 | 3.0 L ''[[C30NE]]'' I6 | 3.0 L ''[[C30SE]]'' 24V I6 | 4.0 L [[Irmscher]] ''[[Opel cam-in-block engine#4.0i I6|C40SE]]'' 24V I6 }}
| transmission  = 4-speed automatic<br />5-speed manual
| wheelbase  = {{convert|2730|mm|1|abbr=on}}
| length = {{convert|4845|mm|1|abbr=on}}
| width = {{convert|1785|mm|1|abbr=on}}
| height = {{convert|1455|mm|1|abbr=on}}
| weight = {{convert|1450-1650|kg|0|abbr=on}}
| related = [[Holden Commodore (VN)]]
}}

A new model, the '''Senator B''' (marketed without the "B" suffix), arrived in the spring of 1987, a longer-bodied version of the [[Opel Omega]]. There was no Monza equivalent.
[[File:Opel Senator B hl gold.jpg|thumb|left|Opel Senator B rear]]
[[File:VauxhallOpel Senator Cambridge 1988.JPG|thumb|left|Vauxhall Senator B]]
[[File:Vauxhall Senator registerer November 1993 2969cc police livery.JPG|thumb|left|A [[Thames Valley Police]] Vauxhall Senator B]]
There were various versions of the Senator B: twelve valve 2.5&nbsp;L and 3.0&nbsp;L sized engines were released in 1987 along with a luxury "CD" model with the 3.0&nbsp;L engine. The CD version boasted Electronic adjustable suspension, "ERC", for the first time in a mass-produced European car, [[air conditioning]], heated seats also in the back, genuine walnut panels, leather covered centre console, [[trip computer]] and [[cruise control]].

The cars were available with either five speed manual or four speed automatic gearboxes. A digitally controlled 4-speed automatic from Aisin-Warner equipped with three different switching programs Sport, Economy and Winter.
It was also equipped with torque delay at each shift, called "torque retard", for not notable gear changes. In winter mode the car starts on the third gear and switches immediately to fourth as soon as possible to prevent spinning wheels and instability. This mode remains to the speed of 80 km/h and then automatically switches off. The gearbox also had built-in diagnostic system and emergency program. Later Lexus and Volvo used similar versions of this transmission. As a luxury car, there were many options, but much was also standard. Options included leather seats, heated seats both front and rear, and electronic air conditioning including refrigerator in the glove box.

LCD instrumentation was also an option. Digital electronic power steering ZF-Servotronic, the same as in the [[BMW 7 Series]], was standard, as was a new front axle design which allowed the axle to slide under the car in a crash and thus increasing the length of the deformation zone and prevent deformation of the footwell. The 3.0 24V was equipped with BBS styled multispoke alloy wheels made by [[Ronal]].

A 24-valve version of the 3.0-litre six was introduced in 1989, generating {{convert|204|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} – compared with {{convert|177|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} for the older twelve valve version. This model was very popular with [[Law enforcement in the United Kingdom|police forces in the United Kingdom]], with several cars being supplied to multiple forces with upgraded police specification for [[traffic policing]] service, with the notable exception of the [[Metropolitan Police]].<ref name="Anstead2018">{{cite book |last=Anstead |first=Ant |author-link=Ant Anstead |title=Cops and Robbers: The Story of the British Police Car |date=2018 |publisher=HarperCollins |location=London |isbn=978-0-00-824451-4 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eDTuAQAACAAJ |pages=154–155 |access-date=29 August 2023}}</ref> The main feature of the new engine was a "Dual Ram" system, increasing torque at low engine speeds by means of a redirected air flow system which engages at 4,000&nbsp;rpm. The engine in police service was capable of a speed of up to {{convert|140|mph|kph}}, although the bonnet was prone to rippling at such high speeds.<ref name="Anstead2018" />

Opel tuners Irmscher introduced a 4-litre version of the Senator and it went on sale in Germany only in late 1990. Power increased to {{cvt|272|PS|kW|0}}, it was equipped with a body kit and alloy wheels, while the car's interior benefitted from buffalo hide, added wood panels, and lots of power equipment.<ref name=TV0291.16>{{cite magazine | ref = CC91 | title = Opel Senator i dyr kostym | trans-title = Opel Senator in an expensive suit | language = sv | magazine = [[Teknikens Värld]] | publisher = Specialtidningsförlaget AB | location = Stockholm, Sweden | page = 22 | date = 24 January 1991 | issue = 2 | volume = 43 | editor-first = Claes | editor-last = Johansson }}</ref> For 1990 the 2.5&nbsp;L was replaced by a 2.6&nbsp;L Dual Ram. The twelve-valve, 3-litre version was deleted from the range in 1992. CD versions of the 2.6&nbsp;L (UK market only), and a 24 valve 3.0&nbsp;L were available up to the model's withdrawal in 1993.

With the second generation Omega presented at the end of 1993 and available for sale from March 1994,<ref name=SenatoruOmegalautKittler/> Opel considered themselves sufficiently represented in the upper end of the market by the top specification Omega B. Production of the Opel Senator B ended in the autumn of 1993 with only 69,943 cars produced since the car's launch six and a half years earlier. Annual production had slumped from 14,007 in 1990 to 5,952 in 1992, with only 2,688 cars produced in 1993.<ref name=SenatoruOmegalautKittler>{{cite book |chapter=Opel Senator B (1987–1993) |pages=323–325 |title=Deutsche Autos seit 1990 |trans-title=German cars since 1990: Audi, BMW, VW and smaller series |isbn=3-613-02052-1|first=Eberhard |last=Kittler |publisher=Motorbuch Verlag |location=Stuttgart |language=de |date=2001}}</ref> Following the announcement of the discontinuation of the Senator, the government of the United Kingdom would order a final batch of around 200 Vauxhall Senators in 1993 for diplomatic and policing use prior to moving over to the Vauxhall Omega.<ref name="Anstead2018" />

{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:90%"
|- style="background:#DDDDDDDDD;"
| colspan="8" style="text-align:center;"| '''Technical data of Opel Senator B (1987–1993)'''
|- style="background:#DDDDDDDDD;"
! Opel Senator
! 2.5&nbsp;i ''25NE''
! 2.6&nbsp;i ''C26NE''
! 3.0&nbsp;i ''C30NE''
! 3.0&nbsp;i ''C30SE''
! Irmscher<br>4.0&nbsp;i ''C40SE''
|- style="background:#eee;"
| Engine: || colspan="3" style="text-align:center;"|[[Straight-six engine|Inline-six]], SOHC, 12V || colspan="2" style="text-align:center;"|Inline-six, DOHC, 24V
|- style="background:#eee;"
| Displacement: || style="text-align:center;"|2490 cc|| style="text-align:center;"|2594 cc || colspan="2" style="text-align:center;"|2969 cc || style="text-align:center;"|3983 cc
|- style="background:#eee;"
| bore x Stroke:&nbsp; || style="text-align:center;"|87 x 69.8&nbsp;mm|| style="text-align:center;"|88.8 x 69.8&nbsp;mm || colspan="2" style="text-align:center;"|95 x 69.8&nbsp;mm || style="text-align:center;"|98 x 88&nbsp;mm
|- style="background:#eee;"
| Max power/rpm: || style="text-align:center;"|{{cvt|140|PS|kW|0}} at 5200 || style="text-align:center;"|{{cvt|150|PS|kW|0}} at 5600 || style="text-align:center;" |{{cvt|156|PS|kW|0}} at 5400<br>{{cvt|177|PS|kW|0}} at 5800 || style="text-align:center;"|{{cvt|204|PS|kW|0}} at 6000|| style="text-align:center;"|{{cvt|272|PS|kW|0}} at 5800
|- style="background:#eee;"
| Max torque/rpm: &nbsp; || style="text-align:center;"|{{cvt|201|Nm|lbft|0}} at 4000|| style="text-align:center;"|{{cvt|216|Nm|lbft|0}} at 3600 || style="text-align:center;"|{{cvt|200|Nm|lbft|0}} at 3900<br>{{cvt|235|Nm|lbft|0}} at 4400 || style="text-align:center;"|{{cvt|265|Nm|lbft|0}} at 3600|| style="text-align:center;"|{{cvt|387|Nm|lbft|0}} at 3300
|- style="background:#eee;"
| Fuel System:&nbsp; || style="text-align:center;" |Electronic multipoint injection<br>(Bosch LE-Jetronic)
| colspan="4" style="text-align:center;" |Digitally controlled multipoint injection (Bosch Motronic)
|- style="background:#eee;"
| Cooling:&nbsp; || colspan="5" style="text-align:center;"|water
|- style="background:#eee;"
| Transmission:&nbsp; || colspan="4" style="text-align:center;"| 4-speed automatic, <br /> 5-speed manual|| style="text-align:center;"| 5-speed manual
|- style="background:#eee;"
| Brakes:&nbsp; || colspan="3" style="text-align:center;"|Front: ventilated disc brakes Ø 280&nbsp;mm, rear: ventilated disc brakes Ø 270&nbsp;mm|| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;"|Front: ventilated disc brakes Ø 296&nbsp;mm, rear: disc brakes Ø 270&nbsp;mm
|- style="background:#eee;"
| Body structure:&nbsp; || colspan="5" style="text-align:center;"| Sheet steel, unibody construction
|- style="background:#eee;"
| Track front/rear:&nbsp; || colspan="5" style="text-align:center;"|{{cvt|1462|mm|in|1}}/{{cvt|1484|mm|in|1}}
|- style="background:#eee;"
| Wheelbase:&nbsp; || colspan="5" style="text-align:center;"|{{cvt|2730|mm|in|1}}
|- style="background:#eee;"
| Length:&nbsp; || colspan="5" style="text-align:center;"| {{cvt|4845|mm|in|1}}
|- style="background:#eee;"
| Dry weight:&nbsp; || colspan="5" style="text-align:center;"|{{cvt|1450–1650|kg|lb|round=5}}
|- style="background:#eee;"
| Top speed:&nbsp; || style="text-align:center;"|{{convert|210|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}}|| style="text-align:center;"|{{convert|215|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}}|| style="text-align:center;"|{{convert|225|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}}|| style="text-align:center;"|{{convert|240|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}}|| style="text-align:center;"|{{convert|255|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}}
|- style="background:#eee;"
| 0–100&nbsp;km/h<br>(0–62 mph):&nbsp; 
| style="text-align:center;" |10.5 s || style="text-align:center;"|9.8 s || style="text-align:center;"|9.0 s || style="text-align:center;"|7.8 s || style="text-align:center;"|6.5 s
|}

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* [http://senatorman.de Website about Opel Senator/Monza]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110706222852/http://www.carpics.ch/en/picoutput/opel/monza carpics – Opel Monza pictures]

{{Opel}}
{{Opel timeline}}
{{Vauxhall Motors}}
{{Vauxhall timeline 1945 to 1979}}
{{Vauxhall timeline 1980 to present}}
[[Category:Opel vehicles|Senator]]
[[Category:Sedans]]
[[Category:Executive cars]]
[[Category:Flagship vehicles]]
[[Category:Rear-wheel-drive vehicles]]
[[Category:Cars introduced in 1978]]
[[Category:1970s cars]]
[[Category:1980s cars]]
[[Category:1990s cars]]
[[Category:Cars discontinued in 1993]]