1950 Austin A 40 vs. 2007 Opel Signum
To start off, 2007 Opel Signum is newer by 57 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1950 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1950 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 2,196 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Opel Signum is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Opel Signum (153 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1950 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Opel Signum should accelerate faster than 1950 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Opel Signum weights approximately 569 kg more than 1950 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1950 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 1950 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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, 2007 Opel Signum (220 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1950 Austin A 40. (84 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2007 Opel Signum will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1950 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1950 Austin A 40 | 2007 Opel Signum | |
| Make | Austin | Opel |
| Model | A 40 | Signum |
| Year Released | 1950 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 2196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 127 km/hour | 211 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 60 L |
