1952 Austin A 40 vs. 2001 Opel Signum
To start off, 2001 Opel Signum is newer by 49 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1952 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1952 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 3,173 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Opel Signum is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Opel Signum (208 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 1952 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Opel Signum should accelerate faster than 1952 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Opel Signum weights approximately 610 kg more than 1952 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1952 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 1952 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 2001 Opel Signum (300 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 221 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2001 Opel Signum will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1952 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1952 Austin A 40 | 2001 Opel Signum | |
| Make | Austin | Opel |
| Model | A 40 | Signum |
| Year Released | 1952 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1199 cc | 3173 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 113 km/hour | 237 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2640 mm |
