1979 Daihatsu Charmant vs. 2001 Smart ForFour
To start off, 2001 Smart ForFour is newer by 22 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 1,332 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Smart ForFour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Smart ForFour (94 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1979 Daihatsu Charmant. (53 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Smart ForFour should accelerate faster than 1979 Daihatsu Charmant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Smart ForFour weights approximately 180 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, 2001 Smart ForFour, 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, 2001 Smart ForFour (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Daihatsu Charmant. (83 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2001 Smart ForFour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Daihatsu Charmant.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Daihatsu Charmant | 2001 Smart ForFour | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Smart |
| Model | Charmant | ForFour |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1164 cc | 1332 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4120 mm | 3760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2510 mm |
