1954 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 2003 Vauxhall Signum
To start off, 2003 Vauxhall Signum is newer by 49 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Austin-Healey 100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Austin-Healey 100 would be higher. At 2,660 cc (4 cylinders), 1954 Austin-Healey 100 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Vauxhall Signum (173 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. (90 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Vauxhall Signum should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Vauxhall Signum weights approximately 470 kg more than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1954 Austin-Healey 100 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-Healey 100. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Vauxhall 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, 2003 Vauxhall Signum (265 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. (144 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2003 Vauxhall Signum will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Austin-Healey 100.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Austin-Healey 100 | 2003 Vauxhall Signum | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Vauxhall |
| Model | 100 | Signum |
| Year Released | 1954 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2660 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 265 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1415 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2840 mm |
