1979 Daihatsu Charmant vs. 1996 Honda S-MX
To start off, 1996 Honda S-MX is newer by 17 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 1,973 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Honda S-MX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda S-MX (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1979 Daihatsu Charmant. (53 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda S-MX should accelerate faster than 1979 Daihatsu Charmant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda S-MX weights approximately 540 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, 1996 Honda S-MX, 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 Honda S-MX (191 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Daihatsu Charmant. (83 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1996 Honda S-MX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Daihatsu Charmant. 1996 Honda S-MX 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. 1996 Honda S-MX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Daihatsu Charmant | 1996 Honda S-MX | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Honda |
| Model | Charmant | S-MX |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1164 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 191 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4120 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2510 mm |
