Daewoo Damas: Which Version Should You Buy?
The Daewoo Damas catalogue contains two 0.8 MT versions, one from each generation. Both are Microvans with a 796 cc Gasoline engine, 38 hp, a 5-speed Manual gearbox, and RWD. The important differences are in torque delivery, fuel system, tank capacity, and the amount of available performance and weight data.
The Daewoo Damas catalogue contains two 0.8 MT versions, one from each generation. Both are Microvans with a 796 cc Gasoline engine, 38 hp, a 5-speed Manual gearbox, and RWD. The important differences are in torque delivery, fuel system, tank capacity, and the amount of available performance and weight data. The first-generation 0.8 MT ran from 1991 to 2005, while the second-generation 0.8 MT ran from 2003 to 2011. Buyers prioritizing documented specifications and a broader operating range should focus on the second-generation version; the first-generation model is the alternative for anyone specifically seeking the earlier Carburetor configuration.
Daewoo Damas generations compared
The first-generation Daewoo Damas was produced from 1991 to 2005. It was offered as a Microvan with one listed version, 0.8 MT. Its 796 cc Gasoline engine produces 38 hp at 5000 rpm and 64 Nm at 3000 rpm. The engine uses a Carburetor, while the transmission is a 5-speed Manual and the drive system is RWD. Ground clearance is 160 mm, and the fuel tank holds 37 liters.
The second-generation Daewoo Damas was produced from 2003 to 2011. It is also a Microvan with one listed version, again named 0.8 MT. Its 796 cc Gasoline engine produces 38 hp at 4200 rpm and 62 Nm at 2200 rpm. Central injection (single-point or single- point) replaces the earlier Carburetor system. The engine is mounted Front, longitudinal, and it remains paired with a 5-speed Manual gearbox and RWD. This generation has a 48-liter tank, 160 mm of ground clearance, a kerb weight of 935 kg, and a gross weight of 1300 kg.
The generations therefore overlap from 2003 through 2005. A production year alone may not distinguish every Damas from that period, so the generation and its technical specification should be checked together.
Daewoo Damas engine specs
Both 0.8 MT versions use a naturally aspirated 796 cc Gasoline engine with 3 Inline cylinders and 2 valves per cylinder. Each produces 38 hp, equivalent to 28 kW. From those figures, both engines deliver approximately 47.7 hp per liter. There is no power-per-liter advantage for either generation.
| Generation and version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders | Layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991–2005 0.8 MT | 38 hp at 5000 rpm | 64 Nm at 3000 rpm | 796 cc | Gasoline, 95 | 3 | Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| 2003–2011 0.8 MT | 38 hp at 4200 rpm | 62 Nm at 2200 rpm | 796 cc | Gasoline, 95 | 3 | Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
The first-generation 0.8 MT has 2 Nm more torque than the second-generation 0.8 MT, an advantage of about 3.2%. However, the second-generation engine reaches its 62 Nm at 2200 rpm, which is 800 rpm lower than the first generation’s 64 Nm at 3000 rpm. Its maximum power also arrives at 4200 rpm instead of 5000 rpm, a difference of 800 rpm.
The fuel systems provide the clearest mechanical distinction. The 1991–2005 0.8 MT uses a Carburetor. The 2003–2011 0.8 MT uses Central injection (single-point or single- point), has a compression ratio of 9.3, and a bore-and-stroke figure of 68.5 × 72 mm. The earlier version’s compression ratio and bore-and-stroke figure are not measured, and its engine position is not measured.
Daewoo Damas performance and fuel economy
Both generations record the same 0–100 km/h time of 24.5 seconds, so neither 0.8 MT has an acceleration advantage in the supplied figures.
| Generation and version | 0–100 km/h | Top speed | City consumption | Highway consumption | Combined consumption |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991–2005 0.8 MT | 24.5 seconds | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| 2003–2011 0.8 MT | 24.5 seconds | 112 km/h | 12.9 L/100 km | 7.4 L/100 km | 9.4 L/100 km |
The second-generation 0.8 MT is the only version for which top speed and fuel-consumption figures are available. Its top speed is 112 km/h. Consumption is 12.9 L/100 km in the city, 7.4 L/100 km on the highway, and 9.4 L/100 km combined. The city figure is 5.5 L/100 km higher than the highway figure.
No valid economy comparison can be made against the first-generation 0.8 MT because its city, highway, and combined consumption figures are not measured. Its top speed is also not measured. These missing values should not be interpreted as evidence that the earlier version is faster or more economical.
Daewoo Damas dimensions, weight, and tank capacity
Both versions provide 160 mm of ground clearance. Wheel sizes are not measured for either generation. Other external dimensions and overall size figures are not measured in the supplied specifications, so a numerical comparison of length, width, height, or wheelbase cannot be made.
| Generation and version | Kerb weight | Gross weight | Ground clearance | Fuel tank | Wheel sizes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991–2005 0.8 MT | not measured | not measured | 160 mm | 37 liters | not measured |
| 2003–2011 0.8 MT | 935 kg | 1300 kg | 160 mm | 48 liters | not measured |
The second-generation 0.8 MT carries 11 liters more fuel than the first-generation 0.8 MT. That is an increase of approximately 29.7% over the earlier 37-liter tank. Using its measured kerb weight and output, the second generation has about 24.6 kg per horsepower. Its gross weight is 365 kg higher than its kerb weight.
A weight-per-horsepower comparison between generations is not possible because the first-generation kerb and gross weights are not measured. The second generation is therefore the only choice for buyers who need a catalogue-backed weight figure.
Chassis and braking differences
Both 0.8 MT versions use Independent, spring front suspension, Disc front brakes, and Drum rear brakes. The first-generation rear-suspension specification is not measured. The second-generation 0.8 MT has Dependent, leaf spring rear suspension.
The catalogue data does not establish a braking advantage for either version because their listed front and rear brake types are the same. It also does not support a complete suspension comparison, since the earlier model’s rear arrangement is not measured.
Which Daewoo Damas 0.8 MT should you choose?
Choose the 2003–2011 0.8 MT if you want the more fully documented version. It keeps the same 38 hp, 796 cc engine, 5-speed Manual transmission, RWD, 24.5-second acceleration time, and 160 mm ground clearance as the earlier model, but adds Central injection (single-point or single- point), an 11-liter larger fuel tank, and measured figures for top speed, consumption, kerb weight, and gross weight. Its peak torque arrives 800 rpm earlier, although its maximum of 62 Nm is 2 Nm below the first generation.
Choose the 1991–2005 0.8 MT if the Carburetor fuel system and the earlier generation are specifically what you want. It offers the same 38 hp and the same calculated 47.7 hp per liter, while producing 64 Nm rather than 62 Nm. The trade-off is a 37-liter tank and substantially less complete catalogue data: top speed, fuel consumption, weight, engine position, rear suspension, compression ratio, and bore-and-stroke figures are not measured.
There is no basis here for comparing purchase price, availability, reliability, service requirements, engine swaps, or repair costs because those facts are not included in the data. On specifications alone, the second-generation 0.8 MT is the stronger all-round choice: it preserves the shared powertrain fundamentals, delivers its output at lower engine speeds, and adds the larger tank plus a much clearer set of operating figures.