1985 Alfa Romeo Arna vs. 1978 Daihatsu Charmant
To start off, 1985 Alfa Romeo Arna is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Daihatsu Charmant would be higher. At 1,586 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Daihatsu Charmant is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Alfa Romeo Arna (94 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. (82 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Alfa Romeo Arna should accelerate faster than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Alfa Romeo Arna weights approximately 25 kg more than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Alfa Romeo Arna, 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, both vehicles can yield 130 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles. 1978 Daihatsu Charmant has automatic transmission and 1985 Alfa Romeo Arna has manual transmission. 1985 Alfa Romeo Arna will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Daihatsu Charmant will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Alfa Romeo Arna | 1978 Daihatsu Charmant | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Daihatsu |
| Model | Arna | Charmant |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1490 cc | 1586 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 895 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2340 mm |
