1979 Daihatsu Charmant vs. 2000 Saturn LW
To start off, 2000 Saturn LW is newer by 21 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 2,198 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Saturn LW is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Saturn LW (136 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1979 Daihatsu Charmant. (53 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Saturn LW should accelerate faster than 1979 Daihatsu Charmant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Saturn LW weights approximately 608 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, 2000 Saturn LW, 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, 2000 Saturn LW (193 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Daihatsu Charmant. (83 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2000 Saturn LW will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Daihatsu Charmant. 2000 Saturn LW 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. 2000 Saturn LW will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Daihatsu Charmant | 2000 Saturn LW | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Saturn |
| Model | Charmant | LW |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1164 cc | 2198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 193 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1398 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4120 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2710 mm |
