1998 Opel Signum vs. 1954 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1998 Opel Signum is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 1,910 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Opel Signum is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Opel Signum (173 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 1954 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Opel Signum should accelerate faster than 1954 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Opel Signum weights approximately 826 kg more than 1954 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1954 Volkswagen Beetle 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 1954 Volkswagen Beetle. 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, 1998 Opel Signum (185 Nm) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Volkswagen Beetle. (89 Nm). This means 1998 Opel Signum will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Opel Signum | 1954 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Signum | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1954 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1910 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 185 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 64 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1566 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2410 mm |
