1997 Daihatsu Charade vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1997 Daihatsu Charade is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1997 Daihatsu Charade. (83 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1997 Daihatsu Charade. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 751 kg more than 1997 Daihatsu Charade. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 219 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Daihatsu Charade. (105 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Daihatsu Charade.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Daihatsu Charade | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Pontiac |
| Model | Charade | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1296 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 845 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2750 mm |
