1979 Ford Escort vs. 1999 Opel Signum
To start off, 1999 Opel Signum is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Escort would be higher. At 2,198 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Opel Signum is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Opel Signum (153 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1979 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Opel Signum should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Opel Signum weights approximately 660 kg more than 1979 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Ford Escort 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 1979 Ford Escort. 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 (221 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 161 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1999 Opel Signum will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Escort. 1999 Opel Signum has automatic transmission and 1979 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1979 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Opel Signum will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1979 Ford Escort | 1999 Opel Signum | |
Make | Ford | Opel |
Model | Escort | Signum |
Year Released | 1979 | 1999 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 939 cc | 2198 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 45 HP | 153 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 60 Nm | 221 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1535 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4640 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1800 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1470 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2640 mm |