1989 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1981 Talbot Samba
To start off, 1989 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 8 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Ford Thunderbird (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1981 Talbot Samba. (44 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1981 Talbot Samba. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 874 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.
Let's talk about torque, 1989 Ford Thunderbird (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 226 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Talbot Samba. (65 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Talbot Samba.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Thunderbird | 1981 Talbot Samba | |
| Make | Ford | Talbot |
| Model | Thunderbird | Samba |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 953 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 65 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 62 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1614 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 3520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2350 mm |
