2003 Caterham 7 vs. 1989 Daihatsu Charade
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Daihatsu Charade. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Daihatsu Charade 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 125 more horse power than 1989 Daihatsu Charade. (75 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1989 Daihatsu Charade. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Daihatsu Charade weights approximately 355 kg more than 2003 Caterham 7.
Because 2003 Caterham 7 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 2003 Caterham 7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 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, 2003 Caterham 7 (210 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Daihatsu Charade. (102 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2003 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Daihatsu Charade.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 1989 Daihatsu Charade | |
| Make | Caterham | Daihatsu |
| Model | 7 | Charade |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 71.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 490 kg | 845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2350 mm |
