1999 Suzuki Baleno vs. 1978 Daihatsu Charmant
To start off, 1999 Suzuki Baleno 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 1,587 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Daihatsu Charmant is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Daihatsu Charmant (82 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1999 Suzuki Baleno. (70 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Daihatsu Charmant should accelerate faster than 1999 Suzuki Baleno. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Suzuki Baleno weights approximately 15 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, 1999 Suzuki Baleno, 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 Suzuki Baleno (171 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. (130 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1999 Suzuki Baleno 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 Suzuki Baleno has manual transmission. 1999 Suzuki Baleno 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 Suzuki Baleno | 1978 Daihatsu Charmant | |
| Make | Suzuki | Daihatsu |
| Model | Baleno | Charmant |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 915 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2340 mm |
