1974 Daihatsu Charmant vs. 1983 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1983 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 9 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 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Volkswagen Golf (109 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1974 Daihatsu Charmant. (59 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1974 Daihatsu Charmant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 75 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.
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, 1983 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 1983 Volkswagen Golf (153 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Daihatsu Charmant. (90 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1983 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Daihatsu Charmant.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Daihatsu Charmant | 1983 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Volkswagen |
| Model | Charmant | Golf |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1165 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 90 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 810 kg | 885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2410 mm |
