1974 Daihatsu Charmant vs. 1978 Renault 12
To start off, 1978 Renault 12 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Daihatsu Charmant. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Daihatsu Charmant would be higher. At 1,289 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Renault 12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Daihatsu Charmant (59 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1978 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Daihatsu Charmant should accelerate faster than 1978 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Renault 12 weights approximately 160 kg more than 1974 Daihatsu Charmant.
Because 1974 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 1974 Daihatsu Charmant. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Renault 12, 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 Renault 12 (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Daihatsu Charmant. (90 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1978 Renault 12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Daihatsu Charmant.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Daihatsu Charmant | 1978 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Renault |
| Model | Charmant | 12 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1166 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 90 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2450 mm |
