1979 Daihatsu Charade vs. 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Daihatsu Charade. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Daihatsu Charade would be higher. At 2,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 (197 HP) has 148 more horse power than 1979 Daihatsu Charade. (49 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1979 Daihatsu Charade. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 861 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 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 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 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280. 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, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 (260 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 188 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Daihatsu Charade. (72 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Daihatsu Charade.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Daihatsu Charade | 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Charade | 280 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 993 cc | 2797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 197 HP |
| Torque | 72 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 137 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 684 kg | 1545 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3490 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 70 L |
