1981 Daihatsu Charmant vs. 2001 Renault Vel Satis
To start off, 2001 Renault Vel Satis is newer by 20 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 2,958 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Renault Vel Satis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Renault Vel Satis (179 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 1981 Daihatsu Charmant. (53 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Renault Vel Satis should accelerate faster than 1981 Daihatsu Charmant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Renault Vel Satis weights approximately 945 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, 2001 Renault Vel Satis, 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, 2001 Renault Vel Satis (350 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 267 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Daihatsu Charmant. (83 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2001 Renault Vel Satis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Daihatsu Charmant. 2001 Renault Vel Satis 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. 2001 Renault Vel Satis will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Daihatsu Charmant | 2001 Renault Vel Satis | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Renault |
| Model | Charmant | Vel Satis |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1166 cc | 2958 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 179 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4120 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1580 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2740 mm |
