1984 Daihatsu Charade vs. 2001 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2001 Lotus Exige is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Daihatsu Charade. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Daihatsu Charade would be higher. At 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Lotus Exige (177 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 1984 Daihatsu Charade. (50 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1984 Daihatsu Charade. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Lotus Exige weights approximately 60 kg more than 1984 Daihatsu Charade. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 Lotus Exige 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 2001 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 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, 2001 Lotus Exige (174 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Daihatsu Charade. (74 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2001 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Daihatsu Charade.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Daihatsu Charade | 2001 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Lotus |
| Model | Charade | Exige |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 992 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 50 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 74 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 89.3 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 | 720 kg | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3560 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 36 L |
