1997 Buick Century vs. 1981 Talbot Samba
To start off, 1997 Buick Century is newer by 16 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 3,135 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Buick Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Buick Century (165 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1981 Talbot Samba. (49 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Buick Century should accelerate faster than 1981 Talbot Samba. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Century weights approximately 780 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, 1997 Buick Century (251 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Talbot Samba. (85 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1997 Buick Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Talbot Samba. 1997 Buick Century 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. 1997 Buick Century will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Buick Century | 1981 Talbot Samba | |
| Make | Buick | Talbot |
| Model | Century | Samba |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 1123 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 85 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 69 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 3520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2350 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 40 L |
