1979 Daihatsu Charmant vs. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 30 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 2,480 cc (5 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1979 Daihatsu Charmant. (53 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1979 Daihatsu Charmant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 457 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, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 157 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Daihatsu Charmant. (83 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Daihatsu Charmant.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Daihatsu Charmant | 2009 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Volkswagen |
| Model | Charmant | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1164 cc | 2480 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1247 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4120 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2580 mm |
