1997 Daihatsu Charade vs. 2006 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2006 Smart ForTwo is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Daihatsu Charade. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Daihatsu Charade would be higher. At 1,296 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Daihatsu Charade is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Daihatsu Charade (83 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 2006 Smart ForTwo. (60 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Daihatsu Charade should accelerate faster than 2006 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Daihatsu Charade weights approximately 30 kg more than 2006 Smart ForTwo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Smart ForTwo 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 2006 Smart ForTwo. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1997 Daihatsu Charade (105 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Smart ForTwo. (95 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1997 Daihatsu Charade will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Smart ForTwo. 2006 Smart ForTwo has automatic transmission and 1997 Daihatsu Charade has manual transmission. 1997 Daihatsu Charade will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Smart ForTwo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Daihatsu Charade | 2006 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Smart |
| Model | Charade | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1296 cc | 698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 60 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 845 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 1820 mm |
