1974 Ford Cortina vs. 2003 Opel Signum
To start off, 2003 Opel Signum is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 2,958 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Opel Signum is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Opel Signum (174 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 1974 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Opel Signum should accelerate faster than 1974 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Opel Signum weights approximately 750 kg more than 1974 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 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 1974 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 Opel Signum (370 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 279 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Opel Signum will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Ford Cortina. 2003 Opel Signum has automatic transmission and 1974 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1974 Ford Cortina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Opel Signum will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1974 Ford Cortina | 2003 Opel Signum | |
Make | Ford | Opel |
Model | Cortina | Signum |
Year Released | 1974 | 2003 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1298 cc | 2958 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 56 HP | 174 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 91 Nm | 370 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 87.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 82 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 18.5:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1695 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4640 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1800 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1470 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2710 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 60 L |