2009 Daihatsu Copen vs. 1978 Daihatsu Charmant
To start off, 2009 Daihatsu Copen is newer by 31 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 1,587 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Daihatsu Charmant is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Daihatsu Charmant (82 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2009 Daihatsu Copen. (67 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Daihatsu Charmant should accelerate faster than 2009 Daihatsu Copen. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Daihatsu Charmant weights approximately 10 kg more than 2009 Daihatsu Copen. 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, 2009 Daihatsu Copen, 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, 1978 Daihatsu Charmant (130 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Daihatsu Copen. (101 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1978 Daihatsu Charmant will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Daihatsu Copen.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Daihatsu Copen | 1978 Daihatsu Charmant | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Daihatsu |
| Model | Copen | Charmant |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 659 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 101 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 905 kg | 915 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3400 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2340 mm |
