1976 Ford Cortina vs. 2004 Opel Signum

To start off, 2004 Opel Signum is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Opel Signum is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Opel Signum (173 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (90 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Opel Signum should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Opel Signum weights approximately 525 kg more than 1976 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 1976 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 1976 Ford Cortina. 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 (265 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (122 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Opel Signum will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina.

Compare all specifications:

1976 Ford Cortina 2004 Opel Signum
Make Ford Opel
Model Cortina Signum
Year Released 1976 2004
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1592 cc 1995 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 90 HP 173 HP
Engine RPM 5700 RPM 5500 RPM
Torque 122 Nm 265 Nm
Torque RPM 4000 RPM 2500 RPM
Engine Bore Size 87.7 mm 86 mm
Engine Stroke Size 66 mm 86 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 9.2:1 9.5:1
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual Manual
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 5 doors
Vehicle Weight 1035 kg 1560 kg
Vehicle Length 4350 mm 4640 mm
Vehicle Width 1710 mm 1800 mm
Vehicle Height 1370 mm 1470 mm
Wheelbase Size 2590 mm 2840 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 54 L 60 L