1976 Daihatsu Charmant vs. 1981 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Daihatsu Charmant. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Daihatsu Charmant would be higher. At 1,166 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Daihatsu Charmant is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Daihatsu Charmant (59 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. (49 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Daihatsu Charmant should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Daihatsu Charmant weights approximately 60 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 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 1976 Daihatsu Charmant. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 1976 Daihatsu Charmant (90 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. (79 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1976 Daihatsu Charmant will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Daihatsu Charmant | 1981 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Volkswagen |
| Model | Charmant | Golf |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1166 cc | 1093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 90 Nm | 79 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 69.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 72 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 810 kg | 750 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 |
