1978 Daihatsu Charmant vs. 1982 Suzuki Alto
To start off, 1982 Suzuki Alto is newer by 4 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 1,289 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Daihatsu Charmant is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Daihatsu Charmant (67 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1982 Suzuki Alto. (38 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Daihatsu Charmant should accelerate faster than 1982 Suzuki Alto. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Daihatsu Charmant weights approximately 180 kg more than 1982 Suzuki Alto. 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, 1982 Suzuki Alto, 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 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Suzuki Alto. (59 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Daihatsu Charmant will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Suzuki Alto.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Daihatsu Charmant | 1982 Suzuki Alto | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Suzuki |
| Model | Charmant | Alto |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 59 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 3300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1410 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2160 mm |
