1978 Daihatsu Charmant vs. 2004 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2004 Lotus Esprit is newer by 26 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 3,507 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Lotus Esprit (350 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 291 more horse power than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. (59 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 588 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, 2004 Lotus Esprit (400 Nm) has 310 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. (90 Nm). This means 2004 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Daihatsu Charmant | 2004 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Lotus |
| Model | Charmant | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1166 cc | 3507 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 350 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 90 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 81 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 792 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 70 L |
