2004 Opel Signum vs. 1978 Fiat 131
To start off, 2004 Opel Signum is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Fiat 131 would be higher. Both 2004 Opel Signum and 1978 Fiat 131 are equipped with a 1,995 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Opel Signum (173 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (59 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Opel Signum should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Opel Signum weights approximately 380 kg more than 1978 Fiat 131. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Fiat 131 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 Fiat 131. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2004 Opel Signum (265 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (113 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2004 Opel Signum will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 131. 1978 Fiat 131 has automatic transmission and 2004 Opel Signum has manual transmission. 2004 Opel Signum will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Fiat 131 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Opel Signum | 1978 Fiat 131 | |
| Make | Opel | Fiat |
| Model | Signum | 131 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 113 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2500 mm |
