1981 Daihatsu Charmant vs. 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 26 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 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volkswagen Jetta (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1981 Daihatsu Charmant. (67 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1981 Daihatsu Charmant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 517 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, 2007 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 2007 Volkswagen Jetta (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Daihatsu Charmant. (103 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Daihatsu Charmant.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Daihatsu Charmant | 2007 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Volkswagen |
| Model | Charmant | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1290 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 830 kg | 1347 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2580 mm |
