1956 Austin A 40 vs. 2004 Opel Signum
To start off, 2004 Opel Signum is newer by 48 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Opel Signum is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Opel Signum (125 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1956 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Opel Signum should accelerate faster than 1956 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Opel Signum weights approximately 350 kg more than 1956 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1956 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 1956 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2004 Opel Signum (170 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2004 Opel Signum will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Austin A 40 | 2004 Opel Signum | |
| Make | Austin | Opel |
| Model | A 40 | Signum |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 80.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 88.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 58 L |
