2009 Buick Lucerne vs. 1978 Daihatsu Charmant
To start off, 2009 Buick Lucerne is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Daihatsu Charmant would be higher. At 3,880 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Buick Lucerne is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Buick Lucerne (227 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 145 more horse power than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. (82 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Buick Lucerne should accelerate faster than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Buick Lucerne weights approximately 722 kg more than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Buick Lucerne, 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, 2009 Buick Lucerne (322 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 192 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. (130 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2009 Buick Lucerne will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. 2009 Buick Lucerne has automatic transmission and 1978 Daihatsu Charmant has manual transmission. 1978 Daihatsu Charmant will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Buick Lucerne will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Buick Lucerne | 1978 Daihatsu Charmant | |
| Make | Buick | Daihatsu |
| Model | Lucerne | Charmant |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3880 cc | 1586 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 322 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1617 kg | 895 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2340 mm |
