1979 Daihatsu Charmant vs. 2003 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2003 Nissan Altima is newer by 24 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 2,488 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Nissan Altima (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 1979 Daihatsu Charmant. (53 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1979 Daihatsu Charmant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Nissan Altima weights approximately 500 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, 2003 Nissan Altima, 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, 2003 Nissan Altima (231 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 148 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Daihatsu Charmant. (83 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2003 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Daihatsu Charmant. 2003 Nissan Altima 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. 2003 Nissan Altima will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Daihatsu Charmant | 2003 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Nissan |
| Model | Charmant | Altima |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1164 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4120 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2810 mm |
