1998 Chrysler PT Cruiser vs. 1977 Daihatsu Charmant
To start off, 1998 Chrysler PT Cruiser is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Daihatsu Charmant. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Daihatsu Charmant would be higher. At 2,429 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Chrysler PT Cruiser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Chrysler PT Cruiser (150 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1977 Daihatsu Charmant. (59 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Chrysler PT Cruiser should accelerate faster than 1977 Daihatsu Charmant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Chrysler PT Cruiser weights approximately 636 kg more than 1977 Daihatsu Charmant. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1977 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 1977 Daihatsu Charmant. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Chrysler PT Cruiser, 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, 1998 Chrysler PT Cruiser (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Daihatsu Charmant. (90 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1998 Chrysler PT Cruiser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Daihatsu Charmant.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Chrysler PT Cruiser | 1977 Daihatsu Charmant | |
| Make | Chrysler | Daihatsu |
| Model | PT Cruiser | Charmant |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1977 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2429 cc | 1166 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 90 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 101.4 mm | 66 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1446 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2340 mm |
