1978 Daihatsu Charmant vs. 1972 Volkswagen K 70
To start off, 1978 Daihatsu Charmant is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Volkswagen K 70. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Volkswagen K 70 would be higher. At 1,605 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Volkswagen K 70 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Volkswagen K 70 (74 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. (59 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Volkswagen K 70 should accelerate faster than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Volkswagen K 70 weights approximately 258 kg more than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1972 Volkswagen K 70, 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, 1972 Volkswagen K 70 (124 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. (90 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1972 Volkswagen K 70 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Daihatsu Charmant | 1972 Volkswagen K 70 | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Volkswagen |
| Model | Charmant | K 70 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1166 cc | 1605 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 90 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 76 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 792 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 45 L |
