1978 Talbot Horizon vs. 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus
To start off, 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Talbot Horizon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Talbot Horizon would be higher. At 2,170 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus (150 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1978 Talbot Horizon. (57 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus should accelerate faster than 1978 Talbot Horizon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus weights approximately 15 kg more than 1978 Talbot Horizon. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus 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 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 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, 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus (203 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Talbot Horizon. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Talbot Horizon.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Talbot Horizon | 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus | |
| Make | Talbot | Talbot |
| Model | Horizon | Sunbeam-Lotus |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1118 cc | 2170 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 95.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 65 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2420 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 47 L | 40 L |
