1981 Daihatsu Charmant vs. 1988 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1988 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Daihatsu Charmant. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Daihatsu Charmant would be higher. At 1,763 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Volkswagen Golf (157 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1981 Daihatsu Charmant. (67 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1981 Daihatsu Charmant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 365 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 1988 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Daihatsu Charmant. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Volkswagen Golf will offer significantly more control. 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, 1988 Volkswagen Golf (225 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Daihatsu Charmant. (103 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1988 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Daihatsu Charmant.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Daihatsu Charmant | 1988 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Volkswagen |
| Model | Charmant | Golf |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1290 cc | 1763 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 830 kg | 1195 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2490 mm |
