2004 Opel Signum vs. 1978 Vauxhall Chevette
To start off, 2004 Opel Signum is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Vauxhall Chevette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Vauxhall Chevette would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Opel Signum is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Opel Signum (125 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1978 Vauxhall Chevette. (56 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Opel Signum should accelerate faster than 1978 Vauxhall Chevette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Opel Signum weights approximately 525 kg more than 1978 Vauxhall Chevette. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Vauxhall Chevette 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 Vauxhall Chevette. 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 (170 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Vauxhall Chevette. (89 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2004 Opel Signum will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Vauxhall Chevette.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Opel Signum | 1978 Vauxhall Chevette | |
| Make | Opel | Vauxhall |
| Model | Signum | Chevette |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1255 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.2 mm | 61 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 45 L |
