1972 Ford Cortina vs. 1998 Opel Signum
To start off, 1998 Opel Signum is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,910 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Opel Signum is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Opel Signum (173 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1972 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Opel Signum should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Opel Signum weights approximately 522 kg more than 1972 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Ford Cortina 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 1972 Ford Cortina. 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 @ 2500 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Opel Signum will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Cortina | 1998 Opel Signum | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Cortina | Signum |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1910 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1044 kg | 1566 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 60 L |
