1981 Daihatsu Charmant vs. 2006 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2006 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 25 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 1,308 cc, 2006 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 175 more horse power than 1981 Daihatsu Charmant. (53 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1981 Daihatsu Charmant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 638 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Daihatsu Charmant. (83 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Daihatsu Charmant.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Daihatsu Charmant | 2006 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Mazda |
| Model | Charmant | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1166 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1428 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4120 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2710 mm |
