1981 Austin Marina vs. 2006 Opel Signum
To start off, 2006 Opel Signum is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Austin Marina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Austin Marina would be higher. At 2,198 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Opel Signum is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Opel Signum (153 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1981 Austin Marina. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Opel Signum should accelerate faster than 1981 Austin Marina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Opel Signum weights approximately 655 kg more than 1981 Austin Marina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Austin Marina 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 1981 Austin Marina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Opel Signum (220 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Austin Marina. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2006 Opel Signum will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Austin Marina. 2006 Opel Signum has automatic transmission and 1981 Austin Marina has manual transmission. 1981 Austin Marina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Opel Signum will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Austin Marina | 2006 Opel Signum | |
| Make | Austin | Opel |
| Model | Marina | Signum |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 2198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2840 mm |
