1959 Ford Escort vs. 1999 Opel Signum
To start off, 1999 Opel Signum is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Ford Escort would be higher. At 2,198 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Opel Signum is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Opel Signum (153 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 1959 Ford Escort. (31 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Opel Signum should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Opel Signum weights approximately 718 kg more than 1959 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Ford Escort 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 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1999 Opel Signum (221 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford Escort. (71 Nm @ 2150 RPM). This means 1999 Opel Signum will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Ford Escort | 1999 Opel Signum | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Escort | Signum |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1171 cc | 2198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 31 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2150 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 63.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.5 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 817 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 60 L |
