1978 Daihatsu Charmant vs. 1984 Lada Niva
To start off, 1984 Lada Niva is newer by 6 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 1,586 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Daihatsu Charmant is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Daihatsu Charmant (82 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1984 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Daihatsu Charmant should accelerate faster than 1984 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Lada Niva weights approximately 255 kg more than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant.
Because 1984 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 Lada Niva will offer significantly more control. 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 (130 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Daihatsu Charmant will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Daihatsu Charmant | 1984 Lada Niva | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Lada |
| Model | Charmant | Niva |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1586 cc | 1452 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 82 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 895 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2210 mm |
