2009 Chevrolet Cobalt vs. 1981 Daihatsu Charmant
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt 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 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt (261 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 194 more horse power than 1981 Daihatsu Charmant. (67 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt should accelerate faster than 1981 Daihatsu Charmant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt weights approximately 431 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 Chevrolet Cobalt, 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 Chevrolet Cobalt (353 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 250 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Daihatsu Charmant. (103 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Daihatsu Charmant.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt | 1981 Daihatsu Charmant | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Daihatsu |
| Model | Cobalt | Charmant |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 1290 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 261 HP | 67 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1261 kg | 830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2340 mm |
