1986 Daihatsu Charade vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1986 Daihatsu Charade is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 1986 Daihatsu Charade. (51 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1986 Daihatsu Charade. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 486 kg more than 1986 Daihatsu Charade. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Lotus Esprit 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 1980 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 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, 1980 Lotus Esprit (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 203 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Daihatsu Charade. (74 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Daihatsu Charade.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Daihatsu Charade | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Lotus |
| Model | Charade | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 993 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 74 Nm | 277 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.1 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 76.2 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 | 1206 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3560 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 67 L |
