1996 Caterham 7 vs. 1990 Daihatsu Charade
To start off, 1996 Caterham 7 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Daihatsu Charade. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Daihatsu Charade would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Caterham 7 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1990 Daihatsu Charade. (51 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1990 Daihatsu Charade. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Daihatsu Charade weights approximately 312 kg more than 1996 Caterham 7.
Because 1996 Caterham 7 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 1996 Caterham 7. 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, 1996 Caterham 7 (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Daihatsu Charade. (77 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1996 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Daihatsu Charade.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Caterham 7 | 1990 Daihatsu Charade | |
| Make | Caterham | Daihatsu |
| Model | 7 | Charade |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Top Speed | 203 km/hour | 145 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 478 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 3560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2370 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 40 L |
