1985 Daihatsu Charade vs. 2012 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2012 Lotus Elise is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Daihatsu Charade. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Daihatsu Charade would be higher. At 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lotus Elise (217 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 166 more horse power than 1985 Daihatsu Charade. (51 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1985 Daihatsu Charade. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lotus Elise weights approximately 206 kg more than 1985 Daihatsu Charade. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Lotus Elise 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 2012 Lotus Elise. 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, 2012 Lotus Elise (210 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Daihatsu Charade. (74 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2012 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Daihatsu Charade.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Daihatsu Charade | 2012 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Lotus |
| Model | Charade | Elise |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 993 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 74 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| 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 | 926 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3610 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 44 L |
