1996 Ford Escort vs. 2003 Opel Signum
To start off, 2003 Opel Signum is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Escort would be higher. At 2,171 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Opel Signum is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Opel Signum (152 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1996 Ford Escort. (131 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Opel Signum should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Opel Signum weights approximately 413 kg more than 1996 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 (220 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Escort. (172 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2003 Opel Signum will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Escort. 2003 Opel Signum has automatic transmission and 1996 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1996 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Opel Signum will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Escort | 2003 Opel Signum | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Escort | Signum |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.8 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 164 km/hour | 206 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1152 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 60 L |
