1976 Fiat 131 vs. 1999 Opel Signum
To start off, 1999 Opel Signum is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Fiat 131 would be higher. At 3,175 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Opel Signum is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Opel Signum (208 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1976 Fiat 131. (138 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Opel Signum should accelerate faster than 1976 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Opel Signum weights approximately 570 kg more than 1976 Fiat 131. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 Fiat 131 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 1976 Fiat 131. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1999 Opel Signum (300 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Fiat 131. (177 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1999 Opel Signum will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Fiat 131 | 1999 Opel Signum | |
| Make | Fiat | Opel |
| Model | 131 | Signum |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 3175 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 237 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 52 L |
