2006 Opel Signum vs. 1979 Triumph Spitfire
To start off, 2006 Opel Signum is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Triumph Spitfire. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Triumph Spitfire would be higher. At 1,910 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Opel Signum is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Opel Signum (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1979 Triumph Spitfire. (71 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Opel Signum should accelerate faster than 1979 Triumph Spitfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Opel Signum weights approximately 800 kg more than 1979 Triumph Spitfire. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Triumph Spitfire 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 1979 Triumph Spitfire. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Opel Signum (281 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Triumph Spitfire. (111 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Opel Signum will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Triumph Spitfire.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Opel Signum | 1979 Triumph Spitfire | |
| Make | Opel | Triumph |
| Model | Signum | Spitfire |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1910 cc | 1493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 281 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 73.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 33 L |
