1997 Buick Century vs. 1979 Daihatsu Charmant
To start off, 1997 Buick Century is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Daihatsu Charmant. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Daihatsu Charmant would be higher. At 3,135 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Buick Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Buick Century (165 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1979 Daihatsu Charmant. (67 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Buick Century should accelerate faster than 1979 Daihatsu Charmant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Century weights approximately 720 kg more than 1979 Daihatsu Charmant. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 Daihatsu Charmant. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Buick Century, 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, 1997 Buick Century (251 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 148 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Daihatsu Charmant. (103 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1997 Buick Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Daihatsu Charmant. 1997 Buick Century has automatic transmission and 1979 Daihatsu Charmant has manual transmission. 1979 Daihatsu Charmant will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Buick Century will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Buick Century | 1979 Daihatsu Charmant | |
| Make | Buick | Daihatsu |
| Model | Century | Charmant |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 1290 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 67 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2340 mm |
