1981 Talbot Samba vs. 1997 Toyota Supra
To start off, 1997 Toyota Supra is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Talbot Samba. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Talbot Samba would be higher. At 2,997 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Toyota Supra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Toyota Supra (325 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 276 more horse power than 1981 Talbot Samba. (49 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Toyota Supra should accelerate faster than 1981 Talbot Samba. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Toyota Supra weights approximately 880 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 1997 Toyota Supra 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 1997 Toyota Supra. 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, 1997 Toyota Supra (441 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 356 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Talbot Samba. (85 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1997 Toyota Supra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Talbot Samba.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Talbot Samba | 1997 Toyota Supra | |
| Make | Talbot | Toyota |
| Model | Samba | Supra |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1123 cc | 2997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 325 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 85 Nm | 441 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 740 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3520 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 75 L |
