1979 Lada 1200 vs. 1981 Talbot Samba
To start off, 1981 Talbot Samba is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Lada 1200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Lada 1200 would be higher. At 1,198 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Lada 1200 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Lada 1200 (61 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1981 Talbot Samba. (49 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Lada 1200 should accelerate faster than 1981 Talbot Samba. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Lada 1200 weights approximately 205 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 1979 Lada 1200 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 Lada 1200. 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, both vehicles can yield 85 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lada 1200 | 1981 Talbot Samba | |
| Make | Lada | Talbot |
| Model | 1200 | Samba |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 1123 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 61 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 85 Nm | 85 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.1 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 69 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4080 mm | 3520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2350 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 39 L | 40 L |
