1999 Ford Cougar vs. 1978 Daihatsu Charmant
To start off, 1999 Ford Cougar is newer by 21 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 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Ford Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Ford Cougar (168 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. (82 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Ford Cougar should accelerate faster than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Ford Cougar weights approximately 495 kg more than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1999 Ford Cougar, 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, 1999 Ford Cougar (220 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. (130 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1999 Ford Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. 1978 Daihatsu Charmant has automatic transmission and 1999 Ford Cougar has manual transmission. 1999 Ford Cougar 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:
| 1999 Ford Cougar | 1978 Daihatsu Charmant | |
| Make | Ford | Daihatsu |
| Model | Cougar | Charmant |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 915 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2340 mm |
