1974 Daihatsu Charmant vs. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 38 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 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1974 Daihatsu Charmant. (62 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1974 Daihatsu Charmant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 421 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, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle, 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, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Daihatsu Charmant. (114 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Daihatsu Charmant.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Daihatsu Charmant | 2012 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Volkswagen |
| Model | Charmant | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1407 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 114 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 912 kg | 1333 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2537 mm |
