2006 Daihatsu Charade vs. 1989 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2006 Daihatsu Charade is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 2006 Daihatsu Charade. (53 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2006 Daihatsu Charade. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 345 kg more than 2006 Daihatsu Charade. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 Lotus Esprit 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 1989 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 1989 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Daihatsu Charade. (89 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Daihatsu Charade. 2006 Daihatsu Charade has automatic transmission and 1989 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1989 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Daihatsu Charade will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Daihatsu Charade | 1989 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Lotus |
| Model | Charade | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 989 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 89 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 830 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2440 mm |
