1998 Opel Signum vs. 2012 BMW 640
To start off, 2012 BMW 640 is newer by 14 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 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 640 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 640 (311 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 1998 Opel Signum. (173 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 640 should accelerate faster than 1998 Opel Signum. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 640 weights approximately 224 kg more than 1998 Opel Signum. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 BMW 640 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 2012 BMW 640. 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, 2012 BMW 640 (630 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 445 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Opel Signum. (185 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 640 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Opel Signum. 2012 BMW 640 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. 2012 BMW 640 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Opel Signum | 2012 BMW 640 | |
| Make | Opel | BMW |
| Model | Signum | 640 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1910 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 185 Nm | 630 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 84 mm |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1566 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4894 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1894 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1369 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2855 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 70 L |
