1978 Daihatsu Charmant vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 30 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 1,967 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (168 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. (82 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 617 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (350 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 220 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. (130 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Daihatsu Charmant | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Volkswagen |
| Model | Charmant | Passat |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 1967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 82 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 915 kg | 1532 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2720 mm |
