1978 Daihatsu Charmant vs. 2009 Daihatsu Materia
To start off, 2009 Daihatsu Materia is newer by 31 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 1,493 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Daihatsu Materia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Daihatsu Materia (102 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. (67 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Daihatsu Materia should accelerate faster than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Daihatsu Materia weights approximately 245 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, 2009 Daihatsu Materia, 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, 2009 Daihatsu Materia (132 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. (103 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 Daihatsu Materia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Daihatsu Charmant | 2009 Daihatsu Materia | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Daihatsu |
| Model | Charmant | Materia |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 1493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 132 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1035 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2560 mm |
