1981 Buick Electra vs. 2003 Opel Signum
To start off, 2003 Opel Signum is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Buick Electra would be higher. At 4,129 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Opel Signum (144 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1981 Buick Electra. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Opel Signum should accelerate faster than 1981 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Buick Electra weights approximately 6 kg more than 2003 Opel Signum.
Because 1981 Buick Electra 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 Buick Electra. 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, 1981 Buick Electra (278 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Opel Signum. (240 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1981 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Opel Signum.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Buick Electra | 2003 Opel Signum | |
| Make | Buick | Opel |
| Model | Electra | Signum |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4129 cc | 2198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 144 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100.7 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1692 kg | 1686 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 58 L |
