1971 Ford GT 70 vs. 1979 Talbot Horizon
To start off, 1979 Talbot Horizon is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Ford GT 70. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Ford GT 70 would be higher. At 1,599 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Ford GT 70 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Ford GT 70 (85 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1979 Talbot Horizon. (58 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Ford GT 70 should accelerate faster than 1979 Talbot Horizon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Talbot Horizon weights approximately 180 kg more than 1971 Ford GT 70.
Because 1971 Ford GT 70 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 1971 Ford GT 70. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Talbot Horizon, 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, 1971 Ford GT 70 (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Talbot Horizon. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1971 Ford GT 70 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Talbot Horizon.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Ford GT 70 | 1979 Talbot Horizon | |
| Make | Ford | Talbot |
| Model | GT 70 | Horizon |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1118 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 58 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 91 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.7 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.4 mm | 65 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 765 kg | 945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2530 mm |
