1978 Daihatsu Charmant vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 34 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 1,600 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (104 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. (82 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 535 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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. (130 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Daihatsu Charmant | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Volkswagen |
| Model | Charmant | Golf |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 82 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 915 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4534 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2578 mm |
