1998 Daihatsu Charade vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1998 Daihatsu Charade is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S (157 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1998 Daihatsu Charade. (83 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1998 Daihatsu Charade. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 765 kg more than 1998 Daihatsu Charade. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Mercedes-Benz S 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 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Daihatsu Charade. (105 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Daihatsu Charade.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Daihatsu Charade | 1978 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Charade | S |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1296 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 845 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2870 mm |
