1978 Daihatsu Charmant vs. 1988 Saab 9000
To start off, 1988 Saab 9000 is newer by 10 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 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Saab 9000 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Saab 9000 (204 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. (67 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Saab 9000 should accelerate faster than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Saab 9000 weights approximately 530 kg more than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. 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, 1988 Saab 9000, 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, 1988 Saab 9000 (290 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 187 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. (103 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1988 Saab 9000 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Daihatsu Charmant | 1988 Saab 9000 | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Saab |
| Model | Charmant | 9000 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 290 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2670 mm |
