1978 Daihatsu Charmant vs. 1986 Toyota Tercel
To start off, 1986 Toyota Tercel 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 1,295 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Toyota Tercel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Toyota Tercel (70 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. (59 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Toyota Tercel should accelerate faster than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Daihatsu Charmant weights approximately 30 kg more than 1986 Toyota Tercel.
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 Toyota Tercel, 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, 1986 Toyota Tercel (108 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. (90 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1986 Toyota Tercel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Daihatsu Charmant | 1986 Toyota Tercel | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Toyota |
| Model | Charmant | Tercel |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1165 cc | 1295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 90 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 71 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 810 kg | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2440 mm |
