1978 Daihatsu Charmant vs. 2011 Volkswagen T5
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen T5 is newer by 33 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 2,459 cc (5 cylinders), 2011 Volkswagen T5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen T5 (172 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. (67 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen T5 should accelerate faster than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen T5 weights approximately 434 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, 2011 Volkswagen T5, 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, 2011 Volkswagen T5 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 297 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. (103 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen T5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Daihatsu Charmant | 2011 Volkswagen T5 | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Volkswagen |
| Model | Charmant | T5 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 2459 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1224 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 3010 mm |
