1985 Lotus Esprit vs. 1981 Talbot Samba
To start off, 1985 Lotus Esprit is newer by 4 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1981 Talbot Samba. (49 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1981 Talbot Samba. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 328 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 1985 Lotus Esprit 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 1985 Lotus Esprit. 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, 1985 Lotus Esprit (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Talbot Samba. (85 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1985 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Talbot Samba.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Lotus Esprit | 1981 Talbot Samba | |
| Make | Lotus | Talbot |
| Model | Esprit | Samba |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1123 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 85 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 69 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1068 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 3520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2350 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 40 L |
