1992 Daihatsu Charade vs. 2009 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 Daihatsu Charade. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 Daihatsu Charade would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 1992 Daihatsu Charade. (51 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1992 Daihatsu Charade. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Lotus Elise weights approximately 164 kg more than 1992 Daihatsu Charade. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Lotus Elise 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 2009 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1992 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, 2009 Lotus Elise (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 Daihatsu Charade. (76 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 Daihatsu Charade.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 Daihatsu Charade | 2009 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Lotus |
| Model | Charade | Elise |
| Year Released | 1992 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 992 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 76 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 954 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3620 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 40 L |
