1978 Daihatsu Charmant vs. 1986 Suzuki Alto
To start off, 1986 Suzuki Alto is newer by 8 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 1,166 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Daihatsu Charmant is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Daihatsu Charmant (59 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1986 Suzuki Alto. (38 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Daihatsu Charmant should accelerate faster than 1986 Suzuki Alto. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Daihatsu Charmant weights approximately 162 kg more than 1986 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, 1986 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 (90 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 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 1986 Suzuki Alto.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Daihatsu Charmant | 1986 Suzuki Alto | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Suzuki |
| Model | Charmant | Alto |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1166 cc | 796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 90 Nm | 59 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 68.5 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 | 792 kg | 630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 3310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1410 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2180 mm |
