1966 Mitsubishi 500 vs. 1981 Talbot Samba
To start off, 1981 Talbot Samba is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Mitsubishi 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Mitsubishi 500 would be higher. At 1,123 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Talbot Samba is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Talbot Samba (49 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1966 Mitsubishi 500. (23 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Talbot Samba should accelerate faster than 1966 Mitsubishi 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Talbot Samba weights approximately 210 kg more than 1966 Mitsubishi 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1966 Mitsubishi 500 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 1966 Mitsubishi 500. 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, 1981 Talbot Samba (85 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Mitsubishi 500. (34 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1981 Talbot Samba will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Mitsubishi 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Mitsubishi 500 | 1981 Talbot Samba | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Talbot |
| Model | 500 | Samba |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 594 cc | 1123 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 23 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 34 Nm | 85 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 530 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3170 mm | 3520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1400 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2070 mm | 2350 mm |
