1998 Opel Signum vs. 2005 Smart ForFour
To start off, 2005 Smart ForFour is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Opel Signum. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Opel Signum would be higher. At 1,909 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Opel Signum is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Opel Signum (99 HP @ 3120 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2005 Smart ForFour. (74 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Opel Signum should accelerate faster than 2005 Smart ForFour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Opel Signum weights approximately 630 kg more than 2005 Smart ForFour. 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, 1998 Opel Signum (185 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Smart ForFour. (101 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Opel Signum will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Smart ForFour. 2005 Smart ForFour 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. 2005 Smart ForFour will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Opel Signum | 2005 Smart ForFour | |
| Make | Opel | Smart |
| Model | Signum | ForFour |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1909 cc | 1124 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 99 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3120 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 185 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 75.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 84.8 mm |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 165 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1595 kg | 965 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 3760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 47 L |
