1983 Ford Fairlane vs. 1998 Opel Signum
To start off, 1998 Opel Signum is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,092 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Opel Signum (173 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1983 Ford Fairlane. (131 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Opel Signum should accelerate faster than 1983 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 64 kg more than 1998 Opel Signum.
Because 1983 Ford Fairlane 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 1983 Ford Fairlane. 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, 1983 Ford Fairlane (304 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Opel Signum. (185 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1983 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Opel Signum. 1983 Ford Fairlane 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. 1983 Ford Fairlane will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Ford Fairlane | 1998 Opel Signum | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Fairlane | Signum |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4092 cc | 1910 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1566 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2840 mm |
