1979 Daihatsu Charade vs. 1976 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1979 Daihatsu Charade is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Mercury Cougar (152 HP) has 103 more horse power than 1979 Daihatsu Charade. (49 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1979 Daihatsu Charade. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 1346 kg more than 1979 Daihatsu Charade. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 Mercury Cougar 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 1976 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Daihatsu Charade, 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, 1976 Mercury Cougar (377 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 305 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Daihatsu Charade. (72 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1976 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Daihatsu Charade.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Daihatsu Charade | 1976 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Mercury |
| Model | Charade | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 993 cc | 5766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 152 HP |
| Torque | 72 Nm | 377 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 684 kg | 2030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3490 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2910 mm |
