1979 Daihatsu Charmant vs. 2005 Smart ForFour
To start off, 2005 Smart ForFour is newer by 26 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 1,164 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Daihatsu Charmant is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Smart ForFour (74 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1979 Daihatsu Charmant. (53 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Smart ForFour should accelerate faster than 1979 Daihatsu Charmant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Smart ForFour weights approximately 175 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, 2005 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, 2005 Smart ForFour (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Daihatsu Charmant. (83 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2005 Smart ForFour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Daihatsu Charmant. 2005 Smart ForFour 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. 2005 Smart ForFour will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Daihatsu Charmant | 2005 Smart ForFour | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Smart |
| Model | Charmant | ForFour |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1164 cc | 1124 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 965 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 |
