1989 Daihatsu Charade vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1989 Daihatsu Charade is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1989 Daihatsu Charade. (90 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1989 Daihatsu Charade. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Lotus Elan weights approximately 81 kg more than 1989 Daihatsu Charade. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1969 Lotus Elan 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 1969 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 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, 1969 Lotus Elan (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Daihatsu Charade. (101 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Daihatsu Charade.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Daihatsu Charade | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Lotus |
| Model | Charade | Elan |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1295 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 101 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.4 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Top Speed | 171 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 808 kg | 889 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3610 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2440 mm |
