2008 Skoda Octavia vs. 1978 Daihatsu Charmant
To start off, 2008 Skoda Octavia 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 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Skoda Octavia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Skoda Octavia (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. (82 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Skoda Octavia should accelerate faster than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Skoda Octavia weights approximately 453 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 Skoda Octavia, 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 Skoda Octavia (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. (130 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2008 Skoda Octavia 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 Skoda Octavia has manual transmission. 2008 Skoda Octavia 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 Skoda Octavia | 1978 Daihatsu Charmant | |
| Make | Skoda | Daihatsu |
| Model | Octavia | Charmant |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1896 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 915 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2340 mm |
