Why Daihatsu Charmant?

I chose Daihatsu Charmant from a very short list of options. Below are the main reasons as to why i chose Charmant:

1. Rear Wheel Drive
I think of RWDs as versatile rides. Many applications are better if we use RWDs compare to FWDs. (4WDs are out of the question as i can't find anything that fits my budget). Both RWD and FWD can be used to make laps in racetracks. Both are also great for daily use. But what about drag racing? I have limited knowledge but as far as i know, RWDs give you better launch traction in drag races. What about the latest trend, drifting? Toyota Supras, Nissan Skylines, Corolla AE86 are RWDs. Indeed you can drift using FWDs by e-braking, but can you shift lock with FWDs? Clutch Kick? Power over? Those techniques require loss of rear wheel traction. Again i may be wrong on the drifting side, i haven't done any ... yet ... *blinks at The Dog*. Basically, i am playing safe by chosing RWDs.
Corolla AE92 GTi is eliminated because of this. Why did i consider AE92 GTi before? For the legendary engine it has: 4A-GE.

2. Cheap
Honestly, this should be number one reason. Many cars were eliminated because of this. Actually, I can afford newer and more expensive cars than the Charmant. My project would at least cost me USD5k-6k and you can get newer (not better ...) used cars with that budget. But then i wouldn't have enough budget to tune the car.. I will just be buying a car and use it. Where's the fun in that? As a friend always says "better built than bought". I too share the same idea.
Again, Corolla AE92 GTI (approx USD4k) is also eliminated because of this, as well as BMW E30s (approx USD3.5k).

3. Ease of Engine Swapping
I want to have a car that runs fast on daily use, with the option of tuning it for race apps. Cheap comes with its consequence: old technology engines: pushrods, 2 valves per cylinder, non-cross flow head, carb, etc. Indeed you can get enough power output from a heavily built Toyota K-series engine but what about driveability? I don't think K-series tuned to get similar horsepower to stock 4A-GEs, SR20DEs, would idle as smooth. It's difficult to find a car having a 16 valve DOHC EFI engine costing around the budget for the Charmant. Hence, swapping to newer engines is mandatory.

Charmants in Indonesia run on 4A-C engines. Guess what other newer engine bolts-on easily to the bay? Yes, 4A-GEs. No engine mounting mod required. No reversing crossmember and steering drag-link bending necessary (Hello SR20DET equipped Datsun 510s!). Most probably i can even use the stock gearbox and bellhousing!

I avoid difficult engine swappings because i believe no work should be done to engine mountings (safety reason) and also to minimize conversion costs.
If only putting SR20DEs to old Datsuns is as easy as 4A-GEs into Charmants, i would choose Datsun 510 or 160J over Charmant anytime but sadly it's not. So, goodbye to Datsuns. KE70s were also eliminated because of their 4K engines as i can't find better engine to the 4K that bolts easily.

4. Nostalgic Looks
Nissan Cefiro A31s don't have it. It was very difficult choosing between Cefiro and Charmant. Cefiros don't look that bad either. I am just not sure how easy it is to put SR20s into Cefiro but i am sure the easier swapping RB25s were too expensive for my budget, that's if i can find one.

Those four reasons narrowed down my options to Daihatsu Charmants. I see Charmants as a Corolla AE86 SR5 in disguise. Only minor mods required to have myself a "poor man's Hachiroku".