1981 Daihatsu Charmant vs. 2000 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2000 Opel Meriva is newer by 19 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Opel Meriva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Opel Meriva (86 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1981 Daihatsu Charmant. (67 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Opel Meriva should accelerate faster than 1981 Daihatsu Charmant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Opel Meriva weights approximately 526 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, 2000 Opel Meriva, 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, 2000 Opel Meriva (138 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Daihatsu Charmant. (103 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2000 Opel Meriva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Daihatsu Charmant.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Daihatsu Charmant | 2000 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Opel |
| Model | Charmant | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1290 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 830 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2700 mm |
