1978 Daihatsu Charmant vs. 1973 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1978 Daihatsu Charmant is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,471 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Daihatsu Charmant (67 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Daihatsu Charmant should accelerate faster than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 85 kg more than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant.
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, 1973 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1978 Daihatsu Charmant (103 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. (82 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Daihatsu Charmant will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Daihatsu Charmant | 1973 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Volkswagen |
| Model | Charmant | Passat |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1288 cc | 1471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 82 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 830 kg | 915 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2480 mm |
