1981 Daihatsu Charmant vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat 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 1,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (120 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1981 Daihatsu Charmant. (53 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1981 Daihatsu Charmant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 661 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, 2012 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (200 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Daihatsu Charmant. (83 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Daihatsu Charmant.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Daihatsu Charmant | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Volkswagen |
| Model | Charmant | Passat |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1166 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1451 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4120 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2712 mm |
