1975 Austin Marina vs. 1981 Talbot Samba
To start off, 1981 Talbot Samba is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Austin Marina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Austin Marina would be higher. At 1,275 cc (4 cylinders), 1975 Austin Marina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Austin Marina (59 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1981 Talbot Samba. (49 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1975 Austin Marina should accelerate faster than 1981 Talbot Samba. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Austin Marina weights approximately 140 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 1975 Austin Marina 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 1975 Austin Marina. 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, 1975 Austin Marina (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Talbot Samba. (85 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1975 Austin Marina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Talbot Samba.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Austin Marina | 1981 Talbot Samba | |
| Make | Austin | Talbot |
| Model | Marina | Samba |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 1123 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 85 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 69 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 3520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2350 mm |
