1998 Opel Astra vs. 1978 Daihatsu Charmant
To start off, 1998 Opel Astra 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 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Daihatsu Charmant (82 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1998 Opel Astra. (74 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Daihatsu Charmant should accelerate faster than 1998 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Opel Astra weights approximately 205 kg more than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant.
Because 1978 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 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Opel Astra, 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, both vehicles can yield 130 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles. 1978 Daihatsu Charmant has automatic transmission and 1998 Opel Astra has manual transmission. 1998 Opel Astra 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 Opel Astra | 1978 Daihatsu Charmant | |
| Make | Opel | Daihatsu |
| Model | Astra | Charmant |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 915 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2340 mm |
