1980 Austin Mini Metro vs. 1979 Daihatsu Charmant
To start off, 1980 Austin Mini Metro is newer by 1 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 1,290 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Daihatsu Charmant is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Daihatsu Charmant (67 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1980 Austin Mini Metro. (45 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Daihatsu Charmant should accelerate faster than 1980 Austin Mini Metro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Daihatsu Charmant weights approximately 83 kg more than 1980 Austin Mini Metro. 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, 1980 Austin Mini Metro, 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, 1979 Daihatsu Charmant (103 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Austin Mini Metro. (73 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1979 Daihatsu Charmant will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Austin Mini Metro.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Austin Mini Metro | 1979 Daihatsu Charmant | |
| Make | Austin | Daihatsu |
| Model | Mini Metro | Charmant |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 998 cc | 1290 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 67 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 73 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 747 kg | 830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3410 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2340 mm |
