1997 Daihatsu Charade vs. 2007 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2007 Lotus Elise is newer by 10 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1997 Daihatsu Charade. (83 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1997 Daihatsu Charade. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Daihatsu Charade weights approximately 60 kg more than 2007 Lotus Elise.
Because 2007 Lotus Elise 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 Lotus Elise. 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, 2007 Lotus Elise (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Daihatsu Charade. (105 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2007 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Daihatsu Charade.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Daihatsu Charade | 2007 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Lotus |
| Model | Charade | Elise |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1296 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 845 kg | 785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2310 mm |
