1955 Austin A 40 vs. 2001 Opel Signum
To start off, 2001 Opel Signum is newer by 46 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 2,958 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Opel Signum is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Opel Signum (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Opel Signum should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Opel Signum weights approximately 640 kg more than 1955 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1955 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 1955 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 (370 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 291 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 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 1955 Austin A 40. 2001 Opel Signum has automatic transmission and 1955 Austin A 40 has manual transmission. 1955 Austin A 40 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Opel Signum will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin A 40 | 2001 Opel Signum | |
| Make | Austin | Opel |
| Model | A 40 | Signum |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 2958 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 60 L |
