2003 Buick Century vs. 1981 Daihatsu Charmant
To start off, 2003 Buick Century is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Daihatsu Charmant. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Daihatsu Charmant would be higher. At 3,134 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Buick Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Buick Century (176 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1981 Daihatsu Charmant. (67 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Buick Century should accelerate faster than 1981 Daihatsu Charmant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Buick Century weights approximately 690 kg more than 1981 Daihatsu Charmant. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Daihatsu Charmant. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 Buick Century (264 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 161 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Daihatsu Charmant. (103 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2003 Buick Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Daihatsu Charmant. 2003 Buick Century has automatic transmission and 1981 Daihatsu Charmant has manual transmission. 1981 Daihatsu Charmant will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Buick Century will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Buick Century | 1981 Daihatsu Charmant | |
| Make | Buick | Daihatsu |
| Model | Century | Charmant |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3134 cc | 1290 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 176 HP | 67 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 264 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2340 mm |
