1981 Daihatsu Charmant vs. 1968 Saab 99
To start off, 1981 Daihatsu Charmant is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Saab 99. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Saab 99 would be higher. At 1,709 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Saab 99 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Saab 99 (79 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1981 Daihatsu Charmant. (67 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Saab 99 should accelerate faster than 1981 Daihatsu Charmant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Saab 99 weights approximately 240 kg more than 1981 Daihatsu Charmant. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Daihatsu Charmant. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1968 Saab 99, 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, 1968 Saab 99 (128 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Daihatsu Charmant. (103 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1968 Saab 99 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Daihatsu Charmant.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Daihatsu Charmant | 1968 Saab 99 | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Saab |
| Model | Charmant | 99 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1290 cc | 1709 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 128 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 830 kg | 1070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2530 mm |
