1974 Daihatsu Charmant vs. 2001 Smart ForFour
To start off, 2001 Smart ForFour is newer by 27 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 1,407 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Daihatsu Charmant is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Smart ForFour (94 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1974 Daihatsu Charmant. (62 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Smart ForFour should accelerate faster than 1974 Daihatsu Charmant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Smart ForFour weights approximately 58 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, 2001 Smart ForFour, 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, 2001 Smart ForFour (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Daihatsu Charmant. (114 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2001 Smart ForFour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Daihatsu Charmant.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Daihatsu Charmant | 2001 Smart ForFour | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Smart |
| Model | Charmant | ForFour |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1407 cc | 1332 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 114 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 912 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 3760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2510 mm |
