1949 Austin A 40 vs. 2003 Opel Signum
To start off, 2003 Opel Signum is newer by 54 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 2,171 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Opel Signum is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Opel Signum (152 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1949 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Opel Signum should accelerate faster than 1949 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Opel Signum weights approximately 595 kg more than 1949 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1949 Austin A 40 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1949 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Opel Signum, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2003 Opel Signum (220 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2003 Opel Signum will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Austin A 40 | 2003 Opel Signum | |
| Make | Austin | Opel |
| Model | A 40 | Signum |
| Year Released | 1949 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 60 L |
