1998 Alpina B 12 vs. 1978 Daihatsu Charmant
To start off, 1998 Alpina B 12 is newer by 20 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Alpina B 12 is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Alpina B 12 weights approximately 895 kg more than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1998 Alpina B 12 (469 Nm) has 339 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. (130 Nm). This means 1998 Alpina B 12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. 1978 Daihatsu Charmant has automatic transmission and 1998 Alpina B 12 has manual transmission. 1998 Alpina B 12 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Daihatsu Charmant will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Alpina B 12 | 1978 Daihatsu Charmant | |
| Make | Alpina | Daihatsu |
| Model | B 12 | Charmant |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 1586 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 0 HP | 82 HP |
| Torque | 469 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1790 kg | 895 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2340 mm |
