2006 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 1981 Talbot Samba
To start off, 2006 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 25 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 2,199 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Chevrolet Malibu (144 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1981 Talbot Samba. (49 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 1981 Talbot Samba. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 1012 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, 2006 Chevrolet Malibu (210 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Talbot Samba. (85 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2006 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Talbot Samba. 2006 Chevrolet Malibu 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. 2006 Chevrolet Malibu will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Chevrolet Malibu | 1981 Talbot Samba | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Talbot |
| Model | Malibu | Samba |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2199 cc | 1123 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 144 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 85 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.5 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 | 1752 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 3520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2350 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 40 L |
