Performance Review: Talbot Samba Rallye 1.2 - [1984]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Talbot Samba Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Talbot Samba Rallye 1.2 is the 5 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 1984. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1985 Lamborghini Countach LP5000S QV and the 1984 Audi Quattro Sport 2.2 T.This particular Talbot Samba has a 1219cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 4 cylinders in a St formation.

Alternative Petrol St4's includes the 2019 Ariel Atom 4 2.0 Turbo

The Samba shares its Petrol St4 engine configuration with the likes of the 2019 Ariel Atom 4 2.0 Turbo and the 2013 Caterham 7 620 R 2.0 L Supercharged. If you're looking for other fast cars which share the Samba's Front Wheel Drive, Hatchback combination then how about the 2022 Volkswagen-VW Golf R Performance 2.0 Turbo or the 2020 Toyota Avalon TRD 3.5 V6.

Power and Weight:

Weighing in at 780 kgs (1719 lbs) this makes the Talbot Samba Rallye 1.2 in the same weight category as the 2011 Ginetta G40 R 2.0L or the give or take 50kg.

The Talbot Samba shares the same bhp with the 2013 Caterham 7 160/165 0.7L Turbo (79 bhp)

In terms of power the 1219cc 8V St4 engine produces 90 bhp (67 kW) @ 6700 rpm similar to the 2013 Caterham 7 160/165 0.7L Turbo (79 bhp) or the 2012 Lexus CT 200h 1.8L (98 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated St4 throws out 75 lb-ft (101.6 Nm) @ 5400 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2013 Caterham 7 160/165 0.7L Turbo (79 lb-ft) or the 2011 Aston-Martin Cygnet 1.3L Launch Edition (92 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Talbot Samba you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 2001 Mini Cooper S 1.6 (140.3 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Talbot Samba.

The Talbot Samba has a Power to weight ratio of 115.3 bhp per ton and 96.1 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1984 Samba competing with the 2001 Mini Cooper S 1.6 (140.3 bhp per ton) or the 1998 Citroen Xsara 2.0 16V VTS (140.3 bhp per ton).

Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance, Torque. Use weight as well and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Talbot Samba generating around 96.1 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other cars have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 1972 Alfa-Romeo Giulia GT 1600 Junior Z (121.0 lb-ft per ton) or the 1968 Ferrari 206 Dino GT (121.0 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 10.80 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 11.2 secs, this made the Talbot Samba Rallye 1.2 as fast as the 2002 Ford KA Street KA (10.80 secs) the 1963 Ford Falcon 1st Gen Sports Hardtop 260 V8 4-Speed (10.80 secs) the 1947 Ferrari 125 S 1.5L V12 (10.80 secs) the or the 1975 Rolls-Royce Camargue 6.8 V8 (10.90 secs). This Talbot Samba Rallye 1.2 is also faster than the 1975 Rolls-Royce Camargue 6.8 V8 (10.90 secs) the 1961 Triumph TR4 2.1L (10.90 secs) the 2019 Ford Ranger Double Cab High Rider 3.2 TDCI (11.00 secs) the and the 2011 Dacia Sandero 1.6 16v (11.00 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the Samba and the 2002 Renault Clio 3.0 V6 230

When talking about the performance of the Talbot Samba on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 16.71 secs @ 81.8 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 2002 Renault Clio 3.0 V6 230 (16.64 secs), the 2007 Ford Taurus AWD 3.5 V6 (16.64 secs), and the 2018 Ford Fiesta ST 1.5 Turbo (16.64 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 1984 version of the Talbot Samba Rallye 1.2 has a maximum speed of 109mph.

Top Speed of the 1984 Samba equals the 2009 KIA Borrego 4.6 V8 AWD (120 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 1984 Talbot Samba Rallye 1.2 then how about the 2009 KIA Borrego 4.6 V8 AWD (120 mph), the 2008 Ford Fiesta 1.6 Zetec S (120 mph), or the 2006 Pontiac Solstice Coupe 2.4 16V (120 mph).

Related Links:

1984 Samba Rivals List.

A Brief History of Talbot

Car Comparison