1996 Daihatsu Charade vs. 2007 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2007 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Daihatsu Charade. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Daihatsu Charade would be higher. At 1,590 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Daihatsu Charade is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 1996 Daihatsu Charade. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1996 Daihatsu Charade. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 550 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 2007 Mazda RX-8 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 2007 Mazda RX-8. 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, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Daihatsu Charade. (138 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Daihatsu Charade.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Daihatsu Charade | 2007 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Mazda |
| Model | Charade | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1590 cc | 1307 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2710 mm |
