1974 Toyota Century vs. 1997 Acura EL
To start off, 1997 Acura EL is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Toyota Century. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Toyota Century would be higher. At 3,376 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Toyota Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Toyota Century (157 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1997 Acura EL. (127 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Toyota Century should accelerate faster than 1997 Acura EL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Toyota Century weights approximately 686 kg more than 1997 Acura EL. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 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 1974 Toyota Century. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Acura EL, 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, 1974 Toyota Century (271 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Acura EL. (145 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1974 Toyota Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Acura EL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Toyota Century | 1997 Acura EL | |
| Make | Toyota | Acura |
| Model | Century | EL |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3376 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 157 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1765 kg | 1079 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4478 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1704 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1394 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2619 mm |
