2012 Chevrolet Cruze vs. 1978 Daihatsu Charmant
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Cruze is newer by 34 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 1,587 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Daihatsu Charmant is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Cruze (138 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. (82 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Cruze should accelerate faster than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Cruze weights approximately 492 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, 2012 Chevrolet Cruze, 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, 2012 Chevrolet Cruze (200 Nm @ 1850 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. (130 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Cruze will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Daihatsu Charmant. 1978 Daihatsu Charmant has automatic transmission and 2012 Chevrolet Cruze has manual transmission. 2012 Chevrolet Cruze will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Daihatsu Charmant will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Chevrolet Cruze | 1978 Daihatsu Charmant | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Daihatsu |
| Model | Cruze | Charmant |
| Year Released | 2012 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1400 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1850 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1407 kg | 915 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4597 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1788 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1476 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2685 mm | 2340 mm |
