1965 Trabant Universal vs. 1978 Daihatsu Charmant
To start off, 1978 Daihatsu Charmant is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Trabant Universal. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Trabant Universal would be higher. At 1,587 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Daihatsu Charmant is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Daihatsu Charmant (82 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1965 Trabant Universal. (23 HP @ 3900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Daihatsu Charmant should accelerate faster than 1965 Trabant Universal. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Daihatsu Charmant weights approximately 255 kg more than 1965 Trabant Universal. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Daihatsu Charmant is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1965 Trabant Universal, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1978 Daihatsu Charmant (130 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Trabant Universal. (51 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1978 Daihatsu Charmant will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Trabant Universal.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Trabant Universal | 1978 Daihatsu Charmant | |
| Make | Trabant | Daihatsu |
| Model | Universal | Charmant |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 595 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 23 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3900 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 51 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 660 kg | 915 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3370 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1500 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2030 mm | 2340 mm |
