1978 Daihatsu Charmant vs. 1976 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1978 Daihatsu Charmant is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Volkswagen Polo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Volkswagen Polo would be higher. At 1,272 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Daihatsu Charmant (59 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1976 Volkswagen Polo. (55 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Daihatsu Charmant should accelerate faster than 1976 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Daihatsu Charmant weights approximately 85 kg more than 1976 Volkswagen Polo. 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, 1976 Volkswagen Polo, 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 Volkswagen Polo (96 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. (90 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1976 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Daihatsu Charmant | 1976 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Volkswagen |
| Model | Charmant | Polo |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1976 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1165 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 55 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 90 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 75 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 | 725 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2480 mm |
