1980 Ford Escort vs. 2003 Opel Signum
To start off, 2003 Opel Signum is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ford Escort would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Opel Signum is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Opel Signum (115 HP @ 3000 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (43 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Opel Signum should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Opel Signum weights approximately 632 kg more than 1980 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 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 1980 Ford Escort. 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 (280 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 209 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (71 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Opel Signum will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Escort | 2003 Opel Signum | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Escort | Signum |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 43 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 53.3 mm | 98 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 903 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2840 mm |
