1978 Daihatsu Charmant vs. 2001 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2001 Lotus Exige 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 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Lotus Exige (177 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. (59 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Daihatsu Charmant weights approximately 12 kg more than 2001 Lotus Exige.
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 Exige (174 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. (90 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2001 Lotus Exige 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 Exige | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Lotus |
| Model | Charmant | Exige |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1166 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 90 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 792 kg | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 36 L |
