1981 Daihatsu Charmant vs. 1998 Mazda 323
To start off, 1998 Mazda 323 is newer by 17 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 1,840 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mazda 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mazda 323 (114 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1981 Daihatsu Charmant. (67 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda 323 should accelerate faster than 1981 Daihatsu Charmant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mazda 323 weights approximately 298 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, 1998 Mazda 323, 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, 1998 Mazda 323 (162 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Daihatsu Charmant. (103 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1998 Mazda 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Daihatsu Charmant. 1998 Mazda 323 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. 1998 Mazda 323 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Daihatsu Charmant | 1998 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Mazda |
| Model | Charmant | 323 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1290 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 830 kg | 1128 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2520 mm |
