2003 Opel Signum vs. 1996 Vauxhall Carlton
To start off, 2003 Opel Signum is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Vauxhall Carlton. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Vauxhall Carlton would be higher. At 3,638 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Vauxhall Carlton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Vauxhall Carlton (355 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 256 more horse power than 2003 Opel Signum. (99 HP @ 3120 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Vauxhall Carlton should accelerate faster than 2003 Opel Signum. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Opel Signum weights approximately 20 kg more than 1996 Vauxhall Carlton.
Because 1996 Vauxhall Carlton 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 1996 Vauxhall Carlton. 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, 1996 Vauxhall Carlton (531 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 301 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Opel Signum. (230 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1996 Vauxhall Carlton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Opel Signum.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Opel Signum | 1996 Vauxhall Carlton | |
| Make | Opel | Vauxhall |
| Model | Signum | Carlton |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 3638 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 99 HP | 355 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3120 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 531 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2740 mm |
