1980 Daihatsu Charmant vs. 1978 Renault 18
To start off, 1980 Daihatsu Charmant is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Renault 18. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Renault 18 would be higher. At 1,397 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Renault 18 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Renault 18 (63 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1980 Daihatsu Charmant. (53 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Renault 18 should accelerate faster than 1980 Daihatsu Charmant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Renault 18 weights approximately 205 kg more than 1980 Daihatsu Charmant. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 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 1980 Daihatsu Charmant. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Renault 18, 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, 1978 Renault 18 (103 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Daihatsu Charmant. (84 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1978 Renault 18 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Daihatsu Charmant.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Daihatsu Charmant | 1978 Renault 18 | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Renault |
| Model | Charmant | 18 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1166 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4120 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2450 mm |
