Daihatsu Wildcat: Which Version Should You Buy?
The Daihatsu Wildcat catalogue contains two versions: 2.7 MT and 2.8 MT. Both were produced from 1985 through 1987 as part of the model’s only generation, and both combine a Diesel inline four-cylinder engine with a 5-speed Manual gearbox, AWD and 225 mm of ground clearance.
The Daihatsu Wildcat catalogue contains two versions: 2.7 MT and 2.8 MT. Both were produced from 1985 through 1987 as part of the model’s only generation, and both combine a Diesel inline four-cylinder engine with a 5-speed Manual gearbox, AWD and 225 mm of ground clearance. The main choice is therefore between the more powerful turbocharged 2.7 MT, which produces 88 hp, and the naturally aspirated 2.8 MT, which produces 73 hp and has a measured torque output of 170 Nm at 2200 rpm. Based strictly on the available specifications, the 2.7 MT is the stronger performance choice, while the 2.8 MT is the better-documented option for buyers who want known torque and detailed internal engine figures.
Daihatsu Wildcat generations and versions
There is one Daihatsu Wildcat generation in the supplied catalogue data. The 1 generation was offered from 1985 through 1987 with an SUV 3-doors body and two versions, 2.7 MT and 2.8 MT. Because both versions belong to the same generation and have identical production years, body style, transmission type, number of gears, drive type and stated ground clearance, there is no newer generation to choose for revised specifications.
The available data does not identify a restyling. It also provides no differences in body configuration between the two versions: each is an SUV 3-doors. Choosing between them is consequently an engine decision rather than a choice between different generations, body styles or production periods.
Daihatsu Wildcat engine and specs comparison
| Version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders | Layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.7 MT | 88 hp (65 kW) | not measured | 2700 cc | Diesel | 4 | Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Manual | AWD |
| 2.8 MT | 73 hp (54 kW) at 3600 rpm | 170 Nm at 2200 rpm | 2765 cc | Diesel | 4 | Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | AWD |
Although its name suggests the smaller engine, the 2.7 MT has a 2700 cc displacement and develops 88 hp. Its Turbo engine produces 15 hp and 11 kW more than the 2765 cc engine in the 2.8 MT. Calculated from the catalogue figures, the 2.7 MT delivers about 32.6 hp per litre, whereas the 2.8 MT delivers about 26.4 hp per litre. That gives the 2.7 MT approximately 6.2 more hp per litre.
The 2.8 MT has 65 cc more displacement but produces less power. Its advantage is not greater output; it is the availability of more detailed specifications. The catalogue records 170 Nm at 2200 rpm, 73 hp at 3600 rpm, 2 valves per cylinder, a 21.2 compression ratio, and a 92 × 104 bore and stroke. Those figures are not measured for the 2.7 MT, so a numerical torque comparison between the engines cannot be made.
Both versions use Diesel fuel, 4 cylinders in an Inline layout, a 5-speed Manual gearbox and AWD. These shared specifications mean neither version offers an automatic transmission, a different fuel type, more gears or a different drive system in the supplied data.
Daihatsu Wildcat performance, mpg and economy
For the 2.7 MT, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is not measured, top speed is not measured, city fuel consumption is not measured, highway fuel consumption is not measured, and combined fuel consumption is not measured. Its power speed and torque output are also not measured.
For the 2.8 MT, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is not measured and top speed is not measured. City, highway and combined fuel consumption are all not measured. The available performance-related engine figures are 73 hp at 3600 rpm and 170 Nm at 2200 rpm.
Because fuel-consumption figures are not measured for either version, the catalogue data cannot establish which Wildcat has better mpg or lower Diesel use. Likewise, the 15 hp advantage of the 2.7 MT does not provide a measured acceleration or top-speed advantage. It only establishes that the 2.7 MT has the higher stated engine output.
CO₂ output and emissions class are not measured for either the 2.7 MT or the 2.8 MT. Any comparison of emissions, running costs or fuel economy would therefore require information beyond the supplied specifications.
Daihatsu Wildcat dimensions, weight and ground clearance
| Version | Kerb weight | Gross weight | Ground clearance | Fuel tank | Wheel sizes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.7 MT | not measured | not measured | 225 mm | not measured | not measured |
| 2.8 MT | not measured | not measured | 225 mm | not measured | not measured |
The recorded ground clearance is identical: both the 2.7 MT and 2.8 MT have 225 mm. Front suspension is also the same for both versions, using the catalogue description Dependent, leaf spring, while the rear suspension is not measured. Both have Disc front brakes, and their rear brake type is not measured.
Kerb weight and gross weight are not measured for either version. As a result, weight per horsepower cannot be calculated, and the higher output of the 2.7 MT cannot be translated into a verified power-to-weight advantage. Fuel-tank capacity and wheel sizes are also not measured for either version, so they do not separate the two choices.
Daihatsu Wildcat reliability and problems data
Reliability ratings and reported problems are not measured for either Wildcat version. The supplied data does not record repair frequency, service intervals, component durability or maintenance costs, so it cannot support a claim that the Turbo 2.7 MT or non-turbo 2.8 MT is more reliable.
The engine specifications show that the versions use different boost configurations: 2.7 MT has Turbo, while 2.8 MT has No boost. That distinction is factual, but it is not itself evidence of better or worse reliability. A buying decision based on reliability would require condition and maintenance information that is not present here.
Which Daihatsu Wildcat version should you buy?
Choose the 2.7 MT if stated power is the priority. Its 88 hp output exceeds the 2.8 MT by 15 hp, an advantage of about 20.5% relative to the 73 hp version. It also produces 65 kW rather than 54 kW and achieves the higher output despite having 65 cc less displacement. Its calculated output of about 32.6 hp per litre is higher than the 2.8 MT figure of about 26.4 hp per litre. This is the clearest numerical reason to select the Turbo version.
Choose the 2.8 MT if you prefer the version with the more complete engine specification. It provides a measured 170 Nm at 2200 rpm, 73 hp at 3600 rpm, 2 valves per cylinder, a 21.2 compression ratio and a 92 × 104 bore and stroke. The absence of Turbo also distinguishes it from the 2.7 MT, although the data provides no reliability or economy result from that difference.
Neither version gains an advantage in generation, production years, body style, gearbox, drive or ground clearance. Both are 1985–1987 SUV 3-doors models with a 5-speed Manual gearbox, AWD and 225 mm of ground clearance. Fuel economy, acceleration, top speed, weight, tank capacity and wheel sizes are not measured for both versions, while torque is not measured for the 2.7 MT. On the available numbers alone, the 2.7 MT is the recommended choice for maximum power; the 2.8 MT is the alternative for buyers who specifically want the non-turbo engine and a known torque figure.