2003 Caterham 7 vs. 1988 Daihatsu Charmant
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Daihatsu Charmant. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Daihatsu Charmant would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (200 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 1988 Daihatsu Charmant. (64 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1988 Daihatsu Charmant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Daihatsu Charmant weights approximately 360 kg more than 2003 Caterham 7.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2003 Caterham 7 (210 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Daihatsu Charmant. (98 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2003 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Daihatsu Charmant.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 1988 Daihatsu Charmant | |
| Make | Caterham | Daihatsu |
| Model | 7 | Charmant |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1290 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 490 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2410 mm |
