2009 Audi A3 vs. 1981 Daihatsu Charmant
To start off, 2009 Audi A3 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Daihatsu Charmant. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Daihatsu Charmant would be higher. At 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Audi A3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Audi A3 (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 133 more horse power than 1981 Daihatsu Charmant. (67 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Audi A3 should accelerate faster than 1981 Daihatsu Charmant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Audi A3 weights approximately 200 kg more than 1981 Daihatsu Charmant. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Daihatsu Charmant. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Audi A3, 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, 2009 Audi A3 (281 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Daihatsu Charmant. (103 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Daihatsu Charmant. 2009 Audi A3 has automatic transmission and 1981 Daihatsu Charmant has manual transmission. 1981 Daihatsu Charmant will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Audi A3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Audi A3 | 1981 Daihatsu Charmant | |
| Make | Audi | Daihatsu |
| Model | A3 | Charmant |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1983 cc | 1290 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 67 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 281 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2340 mm |
