1953 Austin A 40 vs. 1998 Opel Signum
To start off, 1998 Opel Signum is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1953 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1953 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Opel Signum is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Opel Signum (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1953 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Opel Signum should accelerate faster than 1953 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1953 Austin A 40 weights approximately 135 kg more than 1998 Opel Signum.
Because 1953 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 1953 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1998 Opel Signum (185 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 Austin A 40. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Opel Signum will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1953 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1953 Austin A 40 | 1998 Opel Signum | |
| Make | Austin | Opel |
| Model | A 40 | Signum |
| Year Released | 1953 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 60 L |
