1997 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1978 Daihatsu Charmant
To start off, 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Daihatsu Charmant would be higher. At 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider (139 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. (67 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 555 kg more than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Daihatsu Charmant 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 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider, 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, 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider (186 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. (103 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1978 Daihatsu Charmant | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Daihatsu |
| Model | Spider | Charmant |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1288 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 67 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2340 mm |
