1979 Daihatsu Charade vs. 2005 Smart ForFour
To start off, 2005 Smart ForFour is newer by 26 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 1,124 cc (3 cylinders), 2005 Smart ForFour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Smart ForFour (74 HP) has 25 more horse power than 1979 Daihatsu Charade. (49 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Smart ForFour should accelerate faster than 1979 Daihatsu Charade. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Smart ForFour weights approximately 281 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2005 Smart ForFour (101 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Daihatsu Charade. (72 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Smart ForFour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Daihatsu Charade. 2005 Smart ForFour has automatic transmission and 1979 Daihatsu Charade has manual transmission. 1979 Daihatsu Charade will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Smart ForFour will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Daihatsu Charade | 2005 Smart ForFour | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Smart |
| Model | Charade | ForFour |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 993 cc | 1124 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 74 HP |
| Torque | 72 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 75.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 84.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 137 km/hour | 165 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 684 kg | 965 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3490 mm | 3760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 47 L |
