2005 Daihatsu Charade vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2005 Daihatsu Charade is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 2005 Daihatsu Charade. (55 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2005 Daihatsu Charade. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 802 kg more than 2005 Daihatsu Charade. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 235 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Daihatsu Charade. (89 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Daihatsu Charade. 2005 Daihatsu Charade has automatic transmission and 1981 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1981 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Daihatsu Charade will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Daihatsu Charade | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Pontiac |
| Model | Charade | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 998 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 55 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 89 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 740 kg | 1542 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 79 L |
