2004 Opel Signum vs. 1978 Daihatsu Charmant
To start off, 2004 Opel Signum is newer by 26 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Opel Signum is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Opel Signum (173 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. (82 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Opel Signum should accelerate faster than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Opel Signum weights approximately 665 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, 2004 Opel Signum, 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, 2004 Opel Signum (265 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. (130 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2004 Opel Signum will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. 1978 Daihatsu Charmant has automatic transmission and 2004 Opel Signum has manual transmission. 2004 Opel Signum 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:
| 2004 Opel Signum | 1978 Daihatsu Charmant | |
| Make | Opel | Daihatsu |
| Model | Signum | Charmant |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1586 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 895 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2340 mm |
