1954 Austin A 40 vs. 1998 Opel Signum
To start off, 1998 Opel Signum is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 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 107 more horse power than 1954 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Opel Signum should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Austin A 40 weights approximately 175 kg more than 1998 Opel Signum.
Because 1954 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 1954 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 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1998 Opel Signum will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Austin A 40 | 1998 Opel Signum | |
| Make | Austin | Opel |
| Model | A 40 | Signum |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1998 |
| 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 | 41 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 60 L |
