1972 Renault 12 vs. 1981 Talbot Samba
To start off, 1981 Talbot Samba is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Renault 12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Renault 12 would be higher. At 1,289 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Renault 12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Renault 12 (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1981 Talbot Samba. (49 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Renault 12 should accelerate faster than 1981 Talbot Samba. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Renault 12 weights approximately 166 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1972 Renault 12 (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Talbot Samba. (85 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1972 Renault 12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Talbot Samba.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Renault 12 | 1981 Talbot Samba | |
| Make | Renault | Talbot |
| Model | 12 | Samba |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 1123 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 94 Nm | 85 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 69 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 906 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2350 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 56 L | 40 L |
