1981 Toyota Century vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Toyota Century. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Toyota Century would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK (268 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Century. (168 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK weights approximately 45 kg more than 1981 Toyota Century. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Toyota Century. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK will offer significantly more control. 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK (349 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Century. (270 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Century.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Toyota Century | 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK | |
| Make | Toyota | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Century | GLK |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3376 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1805 kg | 1850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4529 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1887 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1699 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2756 mm |
