2009 Ford Ka vs. 1978 Daihatsu Charmant
To start off, 2009 Ford Ka 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 14 more horse power than 2009 Ford Ka. (68 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Daihatsu Charmant should accelerate faster than 2009 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Daihatsu Charmant weights approximately 28 kg more than 2009 Ford Ka. 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 Ford Ka, 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 24 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Ka. (106 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Daihatsu Charmant will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Ka. 1978 Daihatsu Charmant has automatic transmission and 2009 Ford Ka has manual transmission. 2009 Ford Ka 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:
| 2009 Ford Ka | 1978 Daihatsu Charmant | |
| Make | Ford | Daihatsu |
| Model | Ka | Charmant |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 106 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 887 kg | 915 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2340 mm |
