1988 Fiat Tipo vs. 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus
To start off, 1988 Fiat Tipo is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus would be higher. At 2,170 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus (150 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1988 Fiat Tipo. (57 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus should accelerate faster than 1988 Fiat Tipo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Fiat Tipo weights approximately 70 kg more than 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus.
Because 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus 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 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Fiat Tipo, 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, 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus (203 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Fiat Tipo. (98 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Fiat Tipo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Fiat Tipo | 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus | |
| Make | Fiat | Talbot |
| Model | Tipo | Sunbeam-Lotus |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1695 cc | 2170 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 95.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.2 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 20.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 150 km/hour | 195 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2420 mm |
