1985 Daihatsu Charade vs. 1958 Lotus Elite
To start off, 1985 Daihatsu Charade is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 1,216 cc (4 cylinders), 1958 Lotus Elite is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 Lotus Elite (71 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1985 Daihatsu Charade. (51 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1958 Lotus Elite should accelerate faster than 1985 Daihatsu Charade. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Daihatsu Charade weights approximately 140 kg more than 1958 Lotus Elite.
Because 1958 Lotus Elite 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 1958 Lotus Elite. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 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, 1958 Lotus Elite (105 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Daihatsu Charade. (74 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1958 Lotus Elite will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Daihatsu Charade.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Daihatsu Charade | 1958 Lotus Elite | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Lotus |
| Model | Charade | Elite |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 993 cc | 1216 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 74 Nm | 105 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 66.7 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 | 580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3610 mm | 3770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2240 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 29 L |
