1999 Opel Signum vs. 1959 Riley 4
To start off, 1999 Opel Signum is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Riley 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Riley 4 would be higher. At 3,175 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Opel Signum is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Opel Signum (208 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 145 more horse power than 1959 Riley 4. (63 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Opel Signum should accelerate faster than 1959 Riley 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Opel Signum weights approximately 470 kg more than 1959 Riley 4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Riley 4 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 1959 Riley 4. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1999 Opel Signum (300 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Riley 4. (115 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1999 Opel Signum will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Riley 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Opel Signum | 1959 Riley 4 | |
| Make | Opel | Riley |
| Model | Signum | 4 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1959 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3175 cc | 1487 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 237 km/hour | 142 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 45 L |
