1971 Toyota Century vs. 2012 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Sharan is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Toyota Century. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Toyota Century would be higher. At 2,981 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Toyota Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Sharan (168 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1971 Toyota Century. (128 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Sharan should accelerate faster than 1971 Toyota Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 94 kg more than 1971 Toyota Century. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Toyota Century 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 1971 Toyota Century. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Sharan, 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 Volkswagen Sharan (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Toyota Century. (236 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Sharan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Toyota Century.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Toyota Century | 2012 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Century | Sharan |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2981 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1794 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4854 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1904 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2919 mm |
