2003 Daihatsu Charade vs. 1978 Fiat 131
To start off, 2003 Daihatsu Charade is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Fiat 131 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Fiat 131 (59 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2003 Daihatsu Charade. (57 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Fiat 131 should accelerate faster than 2003 Daihatsu Charade. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Fiat 131 weights approximately 460 kg more than 2003 Daihatsu Charade. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Fiat 131 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 Fiat 131. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 1978 Fiat 131 (113 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Daihatsu Charade. (91 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Fiat 131 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Daihatsu Charade.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Daihatsu Charade | 1978 Fiat 131 | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Fiat |
| Model | Charade | 131 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 989 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 113 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 720 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2380 mm | 2500 mm |
