2003 Opel Signum vs. 1978 Opel Rekord
To start off, 2003 Opel Signum is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Opel Rekord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Opel Rekord would be higher. At 2,958 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Opel Signum is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Opel Signum (175 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1978 Opel Rekord. (64 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Opel Signum should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Opel Signum weights approximately 280 kg more than 1978 Opel Rekord. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Opel Rekord 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 1978 Opel Rekord. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 Opel Signum (370 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 244 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Rekord. (126 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2003 Opel Signum will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Rekord.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Opel Signum | 1978 Opel Rekord | |
| Make | Opel | Opel |
| Model | Signum | Rekord |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2958 cc | 2260 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 370 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2670 mm |
