1988 Daihatsu Charmant vs. 2003 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2003 Lotus Exige is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Daihatsu Charmant. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Daihatsu Charmant would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lotus Exige (175 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1988 Daihatsu Charmant. (64 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1988 Daihatsu Charmant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Daihatsu Charmant weights approximately 70 kg more than 2003 Lotus Exige.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2003 Lotus Exige (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Daihatsu Charmant. (98 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2003 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Daihatsu Charmant.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Daihatsu Charmant | 2003 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Lotus |
| Model | Charmant | Exige |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1290 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2310 mm |
