1987 Opel Senator B Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the Opel Senator B ranges from 1380 kg to 1495 kg (3042 to 3297 lbs), depending on engine options, trim level, and additional equipment installed. The maximum allowable weight, which includes the vehicle's own weight plus passengers, cargo, and fuel, is between 1965 kg and 2035 kg (4332 to 4487 lbs). These figures give a good idea of the sturdy build and the car's capacity to carry a reasonable amount of load while maintaining balanced driving dynamics.

The luggage compartment of the Opel Senator B offers a standard capacity of 530 liters (18.7 cubic feet), which is quite generous for a sedan. When the rear seats are folded down, this capacity expands significantly to a range between 870 liters and 930 liters (30.7 to 32.8 cubic feet). This flexibility makes the Senator B practical for carrying larger items or luggage for extended trips, enhancing its appeal as an executive car that doesn't compromise on utility.

The Opel Senator B has a ride height or ground clearance measured at 140 mm (about 5.5 inches). This clearance is typical for executive sedans, offering an adequate balance between comfort, aerodynamics, and the ability to handle common road irregularities. While not designed for off-road driving, this ground clearance ensures the car manages urban and highway conditions efficiently without frequent scrapes on speed bumps or uneven surfaces.

Standard rim sizes for the Opel Senator B include 15-inch diameter rims, with widths of 6J, 6.5J, and 7J, depending on the trim and optional equipment. These rim sizes support tire dimensions of 205/65 R15. This tire size balances ride comfort and handling performance, making the driving experience smooth and stable, while also fitting within the overall design of the car’s wheel arches.

Given its length of 4845 mm (190.7 inches), width up to 1763 mm (69.4 inches), and height approximately 1450 mm (57.1 inches), the Opel Senator B can generally fit into a typical residential garage. Standard single-car garage dimensions often range around 2400 to 3000 mm (94.5 to 118 inches) in width and 4800 to 6000 mm (189 to 236 inches) in length. Therefore, the Senator B's dimensions fit comfortably within these limits, though it is advisable to measure your particular garage space to ensure sufficient clearance for door opening and walking space around the vehicle.

Compared to the earlier Senator A generation, the Senator B, introduced in 1987, is larger in overall dimensions. The Senator B's length of 4845 mm surpasses that of the Senator A, which was approximately 4630 mm. Width also saw an increase, improving interior space and road presence. Height remained fairly consistent, ensuring a sleek sedan silhouette. This increase in size reflects Opel's aim to enhance passenger comfort, especially in rear seat accommodations, and to compete more directly in the executive sedan segment against larger rivals.

In the competitive executive sedan market of the late 1980s and early 1990s, the Opel Senator B's dimensions placed it among similarly sized cars like the BMW 5 Series E28/E34 and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class W124. While slightly longer and sometimes wider than some competitors, the Senator B offered comparable interior space and luggage capacity. Its 530-liter trunk (expandable when rear seats are folded) was competitive, frequently matching or surpassing the capacity of these rivals. Additionally, its moderate height and comfortable ride height allowed it to maintain a balanced stance, appealing to customers seeking executive luxury without excessive bulk.

The Opel Senator B is equipped to handle a maximum roof load of 100 kg (220 lbs). This roof load capacity means that it can safely accommodate roof racks and cargo carriers designed for light duty, such as luggage boxes or sports equipment carriers. This adds to the vehicle’s versatility, particularly for business trips or family outings where extra cargo space might be needed beyond the generous trunk capacity.

The Opel Senator B is a full-size executive sedan produced between 1987 and 1993. It was designed to target the upper-middle and executive car market segments, appealing to customers seeking a spacious, comfortable, and stylish vehicle with refined engineering. With a focus on ride comfort, respectable engine options, and a classic sedan body style, the Senator B was positioned as a competitor to European rivals in the same class, including models from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi.