1981 Talbot Samba vs. 2011 Kia Soul
To start off, 2011 Kia Soul is newer by 30 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 1,600 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Kia Soul is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Kia Soul (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1981 Talbot Samba. (49 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Kia Soul should accelerate faster than 1981 Talbot Samba. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Kia Soul weights approximately 446 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2011 Kia Soul (167 Nm @ 4850 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Talbot Samba. (85 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2011 Kia Soul will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Talbot Samba. 2011 Kia Soul has automatic transmission and 1981 Talbot Samba has manual transmission. 1981 Talbot Samba will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Kia Soul will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Talbot Samba | 2011 Kia Soul | |
| Make | Talbot | Kia |
| Model | Samba | Soul |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1123 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 85 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4850 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 740 kg | 1186 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3520 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 48 L |
