1979 Daihatsu Charmant vs. 1976 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1979 Daihatsu Charmant is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 1,585 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Lancia Beta (100 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1979 Daihatsu Charmant. (53 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1979 Daihatsu Charmant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Lancia Beta weights approximately 246 kg more than 1979 Daihatsu Charmant. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Daihatsu Charmant 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 1979 Daihatsu Charmant. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 Lancia Beta, 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 Lancia Beta (135 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Daihatsu Charmant. (83 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1976 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Daihatsu Charmant.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Daihatsu Charmant | 1976 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Lancia |
| Model | Charmant | Beta |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1164 cc | 1585 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1036 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4120 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2480 mm |
