1979 Oldsmobile Toronado vs. 1998 Opel Signum
To start off, 1998 Opel Signum is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado would be higher. At 5,032 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Opel Signum (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado. (138 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Opel Signum should accelerate faster than 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado weights approximately 880 kg more than 1998 Opel Signum.
Because 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado 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 Oldsmobile Toronado. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado (325 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Opel Signum. (185 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Opel Signum. 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado has automatic transmission and 1998 Opel Signum has manual transmission. 1998 Opel Signum will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado | 1998 Opel Signum | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Opel |
| Model | Toronado | Signum |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5032 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2530 mm |
