1981 Daihatsu Charmant vs. 2012 Volkswagen T5
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen T5 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 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen T5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen T5 (104 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1981 Daihatsu Charmant. (53 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen T5 should accelerate faster than 1981 Daihatsu Charmant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen T5 weights approximately 1480 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 T5, 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 T5 (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 168 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Daihatsu Charmant. (83 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen T5 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 T5 | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Volkswagen |
| Model | Charmant | T5 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1166 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 8 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 2270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4120 mm | 5300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1970 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 3410 mm |
