1979 Daihatsu Charmant vs. 2003 Renault Megane
To start off, 2003 Renault Megane 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 1,461 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Renault Megane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Renault Megane (79 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1979 Daihatsu Charmant. (53 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Renault Megane should accelerate faster than 1979 Daihatsu Charmant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Renault Megane weights approximately 550 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 Renault Megane, 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 Renault Megane (192 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Daihatsu Charmant. (83 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2003 Renault Megane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Daihatsu Charmant.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Daihatsu Charmant | 2003 Renault Megane | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Renault |
| Model | Charmant | Megane |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1164 cc | 1461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 192 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4120 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2690 mm |
