1978 Daihatsu Charmant vs. 1997 Mercury Mystique
To start off, 1997 Mercury Mystique is newer by 19 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 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Mercury Mystique is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercury Mystique (130 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. (67 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercury Mystique should accelerate faster than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercury Mystique weights approximately 452 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, 1997 Mercury Mystique, 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, 1997 Mercury Mystique (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. (103 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1997 Mercury Mystique will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Daihatsu Charmant | 1997 Mercury Mystique | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Mercury |
| Model | Charmant | Mystique |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2710 mm |
