1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 1985 Talbot Samba
To start off, 1985 Talbot Samba is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1985 Talbot Samba. (44 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1985 Talbot Samba. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 380 kg more than 1985 Talbot Samba. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Let's talk about torque, 1981 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Talbot Samba. (65 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Talbot Samba.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 1985 Talbot Samba | |
| Make | Lotus | Talbot |
| Model | Esprit | Samba |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 952 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 65 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 3520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2350 mm |
