1961 Hudson Metropolitan vs. 1981 Talbot Samba
To start off, 1981 Talbot Samba is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Hudson Metropolitan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Hudson Metropolitan would be higher. At 1,489 cc (4 cylinders), 1961 Hudson Metropolitan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Talbot Samba (49 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1961 Hudson Metropolitan. (47 HP @ 4100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Talbot Samba should accelerate faster than 1961 Hudson Metropolitan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Hudson Metropolitan weights approximately 79 kg more than 1981 Talbot Samba.
Because 1961 Hudson Metropolitan 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 1961 Hudson Metropolitan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Talbot Samba, 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, 1961 Hudson Metropolitan (101 Nm @ 2100 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Talbot Samba. (85 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1961 Hudson Metropolitan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Talbot Samba.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Hudson Metropolitan | 1981 Talbot Samba | |
| Make | Hudson | Talbot |
| Model | Metropolitan | Samba |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1123 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4100 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 101 Nm | 85 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2100 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 819 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 3520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 2350 mm |
