1978 Daihatsu Charmant vs. 1992 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 1992 Suzuki Samurai is newer by 14 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 1,297 cc (4 cylinders), 1992 Suzuki Samurai is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Suzuki Samurai (68 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. (59 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1992 Suzuki Samurai should accelerate faster than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 Suzuki Samurai weights approximately 138 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 1992 Suzuki Samurai 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, 1992 Suzuki Samurai 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, 1992 Suzuki Samurai (103 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. (90 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1992 Suzuki Samurai will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Daihatsu Charmant | 1992 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Suzuki |
| Model | Charmant | Samurai |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1992 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1166 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 90 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 75.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 792 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 3450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2490 mm |
