1981 Daihatsu Charmant vs. 1974 Lotus Elite
To start off, 1981 Daihatsu Charmant is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 1,973 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Lotus Elite is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Lotus Elite (142 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1981 Daihatsu Charmant. (53 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Lotus Elite should accelerate faster than 1981 Daihatsu Charmant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Lotus Elite weights approximately 270 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1974 Lotus Elite (177 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Daihatsu Charmant. (83 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1974 Lotus Elite will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Daihatsu Charmant.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Daihatsu Charmant | 1974 Lotus Elite | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Lotus |
| Model | Charmant | Elite |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1166 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4120 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2490 mm |
