1973 Austin Marina vs. 2004 Opel Signum
To start off, 2004 Opel Signum is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Austin Marina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Austin Marina would be higher. At 1,908 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Opel Signum is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Opel Signum (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1973 Austin Marina. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Opel Signum should accelerate faster than 1973 Austin Marina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Opel Signum weights approximately 730 kg more than 1973 Austin Marina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Austin Marina 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 1973 Austin Marina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2004 Opel Signum (326 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 223 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Austin Marina. (103 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2004 Opel Signum will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Austin Marina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Austin Marina | 2004 Opel Signum | |
| Make | Austin | Opel |
| Model | Marina | Signum |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 1908 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 326 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2840 mm |
