1974 Daihatsu Charmant vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1980 Lotus Esprit is newer by 6 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 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 1974 Daihatsu Charmant. (59 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1974 Daihatsu Charmant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 396 kg more than 1974 Daihatsu Charmant. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 1980 Lotus Esprit (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 187 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Daihatsu Charmant. (90 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Daihatsu Charmant.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Daihatsu Charmant | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Lotus |
| Model | Charmant | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1165 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 90 Nm | 277 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 810 kg | 1206 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2450 mm |
