1969 Lotus Elan vs. 2012 Daihatsu Charade
To start off, 2012 Daihatsu Charade is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 2012 Daihatsu Charade. (68 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2012 Daihatsu Charade. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Daihatsu Charade weights approximately 16 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Because 1969 Lotus Elan 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 1969 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Daihatsu Charade, 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, 1969 Lotus Elan (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Daihatsu Charade. (95 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Daihatsu Charade.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 2012 Daihatsu Charade | |
| Make | Lotus | Daihatsu |
| Model | Elan | Charade |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 71 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 84 mm |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 160 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 889 kg | 905 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 3480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2500 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 36 L |
