1951 Austin A 40 vs. 2008 Opel Signum
To start off, 2008 Opel Signum is newer by 57 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 2,957 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Opel Signum is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Opel Signum (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 1951 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Opel Signum should accelerate faster than 1951 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Opel Signum weights approximately 700 kg more than 1951 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1951 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 1951 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Opel Signum (370 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 290 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2008 Opel Signum will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Austin A 40 | 2008 Opel Signum | |
| Make | Austin | Opel |
| Model | A 40 | Signum |
| Year Released | 1951 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 2957 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1670 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 |
