2004 Opel Vectra vs. 1978 Daihatsu Charmant
To start off, 2004 Opel Vectra 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 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Opel Vectra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Opel Vectra (165 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. (82 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Opel Vectra should accelerate faster than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Opel Vectra weights approximately 460 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 Vectra, 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 Vectra (266 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. (130 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2004 Opel Vectra 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 Vectra has manual transmission. 2004 Opel Vectra 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 Vectra | 1978 Daihatsu Charmant | |
| Make | Opel | Daihatsu |
| Model | Vectra | Charmant |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 266 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1375 kg | 915 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2340 mm |
