1981 Daihatsu Charmant vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 31 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 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (263 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 210 more horse power than 1981 Daihatsu Charmant. (53 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1981 Daihatsu Charmant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 970 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (620 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 537 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Daihatsu Charmant. (83 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Daihatsu Charmant. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Daihatsu Charmant | 2012 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Charmant | C |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1166 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 263 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 620 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4120 mm | 4606 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1459 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2760 mm |
