1983 Daihatsu Charade vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Daihatsu Charade. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Daihatsu Charade would be higher. At 7,291 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (518 HP @ 5550 RPM) has 467 more horse power than 1983 Daihatsu Charade. (51 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1983 Daihatsu Charade. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1324 kg more than 1983 Daihatsu Charade. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Daihatsu Charade, 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (766 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 692 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Daihatsu Charade. (74 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Daihatsu Charade.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Daihatsu Charade | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Charade | SL |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 993 cc | 7291 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5550 RPM |
| Torque | 74 Nm | 766 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 91.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 92.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 726 kg | 2050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3560 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 70 L |
