1979 Daihatsu Charmant vs. 2004 Vauxhall Astra
To start off, 2004 Vauxhall Astra is newer by 25 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Vauxhall Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Vauxhall Astra (123 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1979 Daihatsu Charmant. (53 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Vauxhall Astra should accelerate faster than 1979 Daihatsu Charmant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Vauxhall Astra weights approximately 488 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, 2004 Vauxhall Astra, 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, 2004 Vauxhall Astra (173 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Daihatsu Charmant. (83 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2004 Vauxhall Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Daihatsu Charmant.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Daihatsu Charmant | 2004 Vauxhall Astra | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Vauxhall |
| Model | Charmant | Astra |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1164 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1278 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4120 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2620 mm |
