1975 Daihatsu Charmant vs. 1997 Lotus Elise
To start off, 1997 Lotus Elise is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Daihatsu Charmant. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Daihatsu Charmant would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Lotus Elise (117 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1975 Daihatsu Charmant. (59 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1975 Daihatsu Charmant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Daihatsu Charmant weights approximately 105 kg more than 1997 Lotus Elise.
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, 1997 Lotus Elise (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Daihatsu Charmant. (91 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1997 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Daihatsu Charmant.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Daihatsu Charmant | 1997 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Lotus |
| Model | Charmant | Elise |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1166 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 117 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 89.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 810 kg | 705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2310 mm |
