1991 Caterham Super 7 vs. 1981 Daihatsu Charmant
To start off, 1991 Caterham Super 7 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Daihatsu Charmant. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Daihatsu Charmant would be higher. At 1,599 cc (4 cylinders), 1991 Caterham Super 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Caterham Super 7 (110 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1981 Daihatsu Charmant. (53 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Caterham Super 7 should accelerate faster than 1981 Daihatsu Charmant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Daihatsu Charmant weights approximately 280 kg more than 1991 Caterham Super 7.
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, 1991 Caterham Super 7 (132 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Daihatsu Charmant. (83 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1991 Caterham Super 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Daihatsu Charmant.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Caterham Super 7 | 1981 Daihatsu Charmant | |
| Make | Caterham | Daihatsu |
| Model | Super 7 | Charmant |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1166 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 132 Nm | 83 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3380 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2340 mm |
