1996 Daihatsu Charade vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 16 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 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK (415 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 332 more horse power than 1996 Daihatsu Charade. (83 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1996 Daihatsu Charade. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 765 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK (539 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 434 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Daihatsu Charade. (105 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Daihatsu Charade. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Daihatsu Charade | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Charade | SLK |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1295 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 415 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 539 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 845 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4102 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1793 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2431 mm |
