1979 Daihatsu Charade vs. 1978 Ford Escort
To start off, 1979 Daihatsu Charade is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Escort would be higher. At 993 cc (3 cylinders), 1979 Daihatsu Charade is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Daihatsu Charade (49 HP) has 4 more horse power than 1978 Ford Escort. (45 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Daihatsu Charade should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Ford Escort weights approximately 191 kg more than 1979 Daihatsu Charade.
Because 1978 Ford Escort 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 Ford Escort. 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, 1979 Daihatsu Charade (72 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1979 Daihatsu Charade will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Daihatsu Charade | 1978 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Ford |
| Model | Charade | Escort |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 993 cc | 939 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 45 HP |
| Torque | 72 Nm | 60 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 684 kg | 875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3490 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2410 mm |
