1978 Daihatsu Charmant vs. 2001 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2001 Lotus Elise 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Lotus Elise (141 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. (67 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Daihatsu Charmant weights approximately 115 kg more than 2001 Lotus Elise.
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, 2001 Lotus Elise (179 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. (103 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2001 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Daihatsu Charmant | 2001 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Lotus |
| Model | Charmant | Elise |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1288 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 830 kg | 715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2310 mm |
