1968 Ford Escort vs. 1981 Talbot Samba
To start off, 1981 Talbot Samba is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Ford Escort (110 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1981 Talbot Samba. (49 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1981 Talbot Samba. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Ford Escort weights approximately 131 kg more than 1981 Talbot Samba. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Ford Escort 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 1968 Ford Escort. 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, 1968 Ford Escort (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Talbot Samba. (85 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1968 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Talbot Samba.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford Escort | 1981 Talbot Samba | |
| Make | Ford | Talbot |
| Model | Escort | Samba |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1123 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 85 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 871 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 3520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2350 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 40 L |
