1958 Abarth 600 vs. 1998 Opel Signum
To start off, 1998 Opel Signum is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Abarth 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Abarth 600 would be higher. At 1,909 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Opel Signum is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Opel Signum (99 HP @ 3120 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1958 Abarth 600. (41 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Opel Signum should accelerate faster than 1958 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Opel Signum weights approximately 1010 kg more than 1958 Abarth 600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1958 Abarth 600 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 1958 Abarth 600. 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 @ 1500 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Abarth 600. (54 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Opel Signum will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Abarth 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Abarth 600 | 1998 Opel Signum | |
| Make | Abarth | Opel |
| Model | 600 | Signum |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 1909 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3120 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 61 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1595 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2840 mm |
