1989 Austin Maestro vs. 1978 Daihatsu Charmant
To start off, 1989 Austin Maestro is newer by 11 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, 1978 Daihatsu Charmant (82 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1989 Austin Maestro. (66 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Daihatsu Charmant should accelerate faster than 1989 Austin Maestro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Austin Maestro weights approximately 20 kg more than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant.
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, 1989 Austin Maestro, 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, 1978 Daihatsu Charmant (130 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Austin Maestro. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Daihatsu Charmant will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Austin Maestro. 1978 Daihatsu Charmant has automatic transmission and 1989 Austin Maestro has manual transmission. 1989 Austin Maestro 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:
| 1989 Austin Maestro | 1978 Daihatsu Charmant | |
| Make | Austin | Daihatsu |
| Model | Maestro | Charmant |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 1586 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 915 kg | 895 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2340 mm |
