1974 Toyota Century vs. 2003 Volvo V50
To start off, 2003 Volvo V50 is newer by 29 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, 2003 Volvo V50 (207 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1974 Toyota Century. (157 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volvo V50 should accelerate faster than 1974 Toyota Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Toyota Century weights approximately 327 kg more than 2003 Volvo V50.
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, 2003 Volvo V50, 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, 2003 Volvo V50 (330 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Toyota Century. (271 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2003 Volvo V50 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Toyota Century.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Toyota Century | 2003 Volvo V50 | |
| Make | Toyota | Volvo |
| Model | Century | V50 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3376 cc | 2435 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 157 HP | 207 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1765 kg | 1438 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2670 mm |
