1978 Daihatsu Charmant vs. 2001 Daihatsu Copen
To start off, 2001 Daihatsu Copen is newer by 23 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 1,166 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Daihatsu Charmant is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Daihatsu Copen (62 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. (59 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Daihatsu Copen should accelerate faster than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Daihatsu Copen weights approximately 8 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, 2001 Daihatsu Copen, 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, 2001 Daihatsu Copen (108 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. (90 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2001 Daihatsu Copen will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Daihatsu Charmant | 2001 Daihatsu Copen | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Daihatsu |
| Model | Charmant | Copen |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1166 cc | 659 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 90 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 61 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 56.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 792 kg | 800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 3400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2240 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 46 L |
