1977 Ford Cortina vs. 2003 Opel Signum
To start off, 2003 Opel Signum is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 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 (175 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1977 Ford Cortina. (108 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Opel Signum should accelerate faster than 1977 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Opel Signum weights approximately 447 kg more than 1977 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1977 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 1977 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 194 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Ford Cortina. (176 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Opel Signum will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Ford Cortina | 2003 Opel Signum | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Cortina | Signum |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 2958 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1128 kg | 1575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2840 mm |
