1978 Daihatsu Charmant vs. 1996 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1996 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 18 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Thunderbird (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. (67 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 830 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1996 Ford Thunderbird (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 188 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. (103 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Daihatsu Charmant | 1996 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Ford |
| Model | Charmant | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 291 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 5090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2880 mm |
