1959 Abarth 600 vs. 2001 Opel Signum
To start off, 2001 Opel Signum is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Abarth 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Abarth 600 would be higher. At 2,171 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Opel Signum is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Opel Signum (125 HP @ 3250 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 600. (41 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Opel Signum should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Opel Signum weights approximately 1025 kg more than 1959 Abarth 600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 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 1959 Abarth 600. 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 (280 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 226 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 600. (54 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2001 Opel Signum will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 600. 2001 Opel Signum has automatic transmission and 1959 Abarth 600 has manual transmission. 1959 Abarth 600 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:
| 1959 Abarth 600 | 2001 Opel Signum | |
| Make | Abarth | Opel |
| Model | 600 | Signum |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 2171 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 | 5500 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1610 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 |
