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 1,257 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Austin Mini Metro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Austin Mini Metro (62 HP @ 5650 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1979 Daihatsu Charmant. (53 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Austin Mini Metro should accelerate faster than 1979 Daihatsu Charmant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Daihatsu Charmant weights approximately 36 kg more than 1980 Austin Mini Metro.
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, 1980 Austin Mini Metro (97 Nm @ 3100 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Daihatsu Charmant. (83 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1980 Austin Mini Metro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Daihatsu Charmant.
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 | 1257 cc | 1164 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5650 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 97 Nm | 83 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 754 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3410 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2340 mm |
