1980 Ford Escort vs. 2005 Opel Signum
To start off, 2005 Opel Signum is newer by 25 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 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Opel Signum is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Opel Signum (99 HP @ 3120 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Opel Signum should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Opel Signum weights approximately 720 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, 2005 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, 2005 Opel Signum (230 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2005 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 | 2005 Opel Signum | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Escort | Signum |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3120 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1595 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2740 mm |
