1978 Daihatsu Charmant vs. 2009 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Polo 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Polo (104 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. (82 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 332 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 Volkswagen Polo, 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 Volkswagen Polo (153 Nm @ 300 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. (130 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. 2009 Volkswagen Polo has automatic transmission and 1978 Daihatsu Charmant has manual transmission. 1978 Daihatsu Charmant will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Volkswagen Polo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Daihatsu Charmant | 2009 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Volkswagen |
| Model | Charmant | Polo |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 82 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 915 kg | 1247 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 3920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1660 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2470 mm |
