1978 Daihatsu Charmant vs. 1981 Renault 18
To start off, 1981 Renault 18 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Daihatsu Charmant would be higher. At 2,068 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Renault 18 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Renault 18 (66 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. (59 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Renault 18 should accelerate faster than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Renault 18 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, 1981 Renault 18, 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, 1981 Renault 18 (124 Nm @ 2250 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. (90 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1981 Renault 18 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Daihatsu Charmant | 1981 Renault 18 | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Renault |
| Model | Charmant | 18 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1166 cc | 2068 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 66 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 90 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 89 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 792 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2450 mm |
