2005 Lotus Elise vs. 1978 Daihatsu Charmant
To start off, 2005 Lotus Elise is newer by 27 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. (82 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Daihatsu Charmant weights approximately 65 kg more than 2005 Lotus Elise.
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, 2005 Lotus Elise (186 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. (130 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. 1978 Daihatsu Charmant has automatic transmission and 2005 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2005 Lotus Elise 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:
| 2005 Lotus Elise | 1978 Daihatsu Charmant | |
| Make | Lotus | Daihatsu |
| Model | Elise | Charmant |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 915 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2340 mm |
