1990 Daihatsu Charade vs. 1981 Mazda 121
To start off, 1990 Daihatsu Charade is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Mazda 121. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mazda 121 would be higher. At 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Mazda 121 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Mazda 121 (86 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1990 Daihatsu Charade. (51 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Mazda 121 should accelerate faster than 1990 Daihatsu Charade. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mazda 121 weights approximately 340 kg more than 1990 Daihatsu Charade. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Mazda 121 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 1981 Mazda 121. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 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, 1981 Mazda 121 (161 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Daihatsu Charade. (77 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1981 Mazda 121 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Daihatsu Charade.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Daihatsu Charade | 1981 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Mazda |
| Model | Charade | 121 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 992 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 77 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 98 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3560 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2520 mm |
