1978 Daihatsu Charmant vs. 1975 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1978 Daihatsu Charmant is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1975 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Lancia Beta (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. (82 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1975 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Lancia Beta weights approximately 145 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, 1975 Lancia Beta, 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, 1975 Lancia Beta (176 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. (130 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1975 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Daihatsu Charmant | 1975 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Lancia |
| Model | Charmant | Beta |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1975 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 82 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 915 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2550 mm |
