2007 Mini Cooper vs. 1981 Talbot Samba
To start off, 2007 Mini Cooper is newer by 26 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Mini Cooper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mini Cooper (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1981 Talbot Samba. (49 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 1981 Talbot Samba. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mini Cooper weights approximately 385 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, 2007 Mini Cooper (151 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Talbot Samba. (85 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2007 Mini Cooper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Talbot Samba.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Mini Cooper | 1981 Talbot Samba | |
| Make | Mini | Talbot |
| Model | Cooper | Samba |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1123 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 151 Nm | 85 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1125 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 3520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2350 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 40 L |
