1979 Daihatsu Charade vs. 1985 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1985 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Daihatsu Charade. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Daihatsu Charade would be higher. At 5,013 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Pontiac Firebird (190 HP) has 141 more horse power than 1979 Daihatsu Charade. (49 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1979 Daihatsu Charade. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 790 kg more than 1979 Daihatsu Charade. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1985 Pontiac Firebird 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 1985 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Daihatsu Charade, 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, 1985 Pontiac Firebird (325 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 253 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Daihatsu Charade. (72 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1985 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Daihatsu Charade.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Daihatsu Charade | 1985 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Pontiac |
| Model | Charade | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 993 cc | 5013 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 190 HP |
| Torque | 72 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 137 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 684 kg | 1474 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3490 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 61 L |
