1959 Austin A 99 vs. 2003 Opel Signum
To start off, 2003 Opel Signum is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Austin A 99. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Austin A 99 would be higher. At 3,173 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Opel Signum is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Opel Signum (207 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 99. (108 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Opel Signum should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin A 99. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Opel Signum weights approximately 83 kg more than 1959 Austin A 99. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Austin A 99 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 Austin A 99. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 Opel Signum (300 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 99. (224 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2003 Opel Signum will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Austin A 99. 2003 Opel Signum has automatic transmission and 1959 Austin A 99 has manual transmission. 1959 Austin A 99 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Opel Signum will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Austin A 99 | 2003 Opel Signum | |
| Make | Austin | Opel |
| Model | A 99 | Signum |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 3173 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 207 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 157 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1613 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 60 L |
