1978 Daihatsu Charmant vs. 2009 Ford Focus
To start off, 2009 Ford Focus 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Focus (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. (82 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Ford Focus weights approximately 559 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 Ford Focus, 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 Ford Focus (320 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 190 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. (130 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Daihatsu Charmant | 2009 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Ford |
| Model | Charmant | Focus |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1586 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 82 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 895 kg | 1454 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2650 mm |
