1979 Toyota Century vs. 1996 Toyota Celica
To start off, 1996 Toyota Celica is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Toyota Century. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Toyota Century would be higher. At 3,376 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Toyota Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Toyota Celica (173 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1979 Toyota Century. (167 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Toyota Celica should accelerate faster than 1979 Toyota Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Toyota Century weights approximately 626 kg more than 1996 Toyota Celica.
Because 1979 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 1979 Toyota Century. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Toyota Celica, 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, 1979 Toyota Century (270 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Toyota Celica. (178 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1979 Toyota Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Toyota Celica. 1979 Toyota Century has automatic transmission and 1996 Toyota Celica has manual transmission. 1996 Toyota Celica will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Toyota Century will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Toyota Century | 1996 Toyota Celica | |
| Make | Toyota | Toyota |
| Model | Century | Celica |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3376 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1806 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2470 mm |
