1974 Fiat 500 vs. 1998 Opel Signum
To start off, 1998 Opel Signum is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Opel Signum is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Opel Signum (120 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Opel Signum should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Opel Signum weights approximately 964 kg more than 1974 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 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 1974 Fiat 500. 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 (167 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1998 Opel Signum will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
1974 Fiat 500 | 1998 Opel Signum | |
Make | Fiat | Opel |
Model | 500 | Signum |
Year Released | 1974 | 1998 |
Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Rear | Front |
Engine Size | 499 cc | 1796 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 18 HP | 120 HP |
Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 27 Nm | 167 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
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 | 516 kg | 1480 kg |
Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4640 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1800 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1470 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2740 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 60 L |