1961 Fiat 500 vs. 2005 Opel Signum
To start off, 2005 Opel Signum is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,908 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Opel Signum is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Opel Signum (173 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 151 more horse power than 1961 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Opel Signum should accelerate faster than 1961 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Opel Signum weights approximately 1020 kg more than 1961 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 Fiat 500 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 1961 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2005 Opel Signum (265 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 229 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2005 Opel Signum will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Fiat 500 | 2005 Opel Signum | |
| Make | Fiat | Opel |
| Model | 500 | Signum |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1908 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 265 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.1:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2620 mm |
