2008 Hyundai Elantra vs. 1978 Daihatsu Charmant
To start off, 2008 Hyundai Elantra is newer by 30 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 1,991 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Hyundai Elantra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Hyundai Elantra (111 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. (82 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Hyundai Elantra should accelerate faster than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Hyundai Elantra weights approximately 293 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, 2008 Hyundai Elantra, 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, 2008 Hyundai Elantra (236 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. (130 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2008 Hyundai Elantra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. 1978 Daihatsu Charmant has automatic transmission and 2008 Hyundai Elantra has manual transmission. 2008 Hyundai Elantra 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:
| 2008 Hyundai Elantra | 1978 Daihatsu Charmant | |
| Make | Hyundai | Daihatsu |
| Model | Elantra | Charmant |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1586 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 111 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 895 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2340 mm |
