1979 Daihatsu Charade vs. 1996 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1996 Lotus Esprit is newer by 17 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Esprit (285 HP) has 236 more horse power than 1979 Daihatsu Charade. (49 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1979 Daihatsu Charade.
Because 1996 Lotus Esprit 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 1996 Lotus Esprit. 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, 1996 Lotus Esprit (510 Nm) has 438 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Daihatsu Charade. (72 Nm). This means 1996 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Daihatsu Charade.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Daihatsu Charade | 1996 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Lotus |
| Model | Charade | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 993 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 285 HP |
| Torque | 72 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 137 km/hour | 265 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3490 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2420 mm |
