1981 Daihatsu Charmant vs. 1996 Lexus ES
To start off, 1996 Lexus ES is newer by 15 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 2,995 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Lexus ES is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lexus ES (210 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 143 more horse power than 1981 Daihatsu Charmant. (67 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lexus ES should accelerate faster than 1981 Daihatsu Charmant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Lexus ES weights approximately 700 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, 1996 Lexus ES, 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, 1996 Lexus ES (304 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 201 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Daihatsu Charmant. (103 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1996 Lexus ES will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Daihatsu Charmant. 1996 Lexus ES has automatic transmission and 1981 Daihatsu Charmant has manual transmission. 1981 Daihatsu Charmant will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Lexus ES will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Daihatsu Charmant | 1996 Lexus ES | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Lexus |
| Model | Charmant | ES |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1290 cc | 2995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 830 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2680 mm |
