1996 Daihatsu Charade vs. 1979 Datsun Laurel
To start off, 1996 Daihatsu Charade is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Datsun Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Datsun Laurel would be higher. At 2,393 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Datsun Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Datsun Laurel (113 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1996 Daihatsu Charade. (89 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Datsun Laurel should accelerate faster than 1996 Daihatsu Charade. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Datsun Laurel weights approximately 345 kg more than 1996 Daihatsu Charade. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Datsun Laurel 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 1979 Datsun Laurel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1979 Datsun Laurel (176 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Daihatsu Charade. (121 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1979 Datsun Laurel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Daihatsu Charade. 1979 Datsun Laurel has automatic transmission and 1996 Daihatsu Charade has manual transmission. 1996 Daihatsu Charade will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Datsun Laurel will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Daihatsu Charade | 1979 Datsun Laurel | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Datsun |
| Model | Charade | Laurel |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1499 cc | 2393 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 840 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2680 mm |
