1978 Daihatsu Charmant vs. 1981 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Passat 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 1,296 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 59 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 148 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, 1981 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, 1981 Volkswagen Passat (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. (90 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1981 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Daihatsu Charmant | 1981 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Volkswagen |
| Model | Charmant | Passat |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1166 cc | 1296 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 90 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 792 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 60 L |
