1982 Talbot Samba vs. 1981 Vauxhall Chevette
To start off, 1982 Talbot Samba is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Vauxhall Chevette would be higher. At 1,256 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Vauxhall Chevette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Talbot Samba (90 HP) has 34 more horse power than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. (56 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1982 Talbot Samba should accelerate faster than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Vauxhall Chevette weights approximately 69 kg more than 1982 Talbot Samba.
Because 1981 Vauxhall Chevette 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 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 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, 1982 Talbot Samba (102 Nm @ 5400 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. (89 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1982 Talbot Samba will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Talbot Samba | 1981 Vauxhall Chevette | |
| Make | Talbot | Vauxhall |
| Model | Samba | Chevette |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1219 cc | 1256 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 56 HP |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5400 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69 mm | 61 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 786 kg | 855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3520 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 45 L |
