1979 Daihatsu Charmant vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Santana is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Daihatsu Charmant. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Daihatsu Charmant would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volkswagen Santana is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Volkswagen Santana (90 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1979 Daihatsu Charmant. (53 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Santana should accelerate faster than 1979 Daihatsu Charmant.
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, 1981 Volkswagen Santana, 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, 1981 Volkswagen Santana (145 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Daihatsu Charmant. (83 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1981 Volkswagen Santana will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Daihatsu Charmant. 1981 Volkswagen Santana has automatic transmission and 1979 Daihatsu Charmant has manual transmission. 1979 Daihatsu Charmant will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Volkswagen Santana will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Daihatsu Charmant | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Volkswagen |
| Model | Charmant | Santana |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1164 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4120 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2560 mm |
