2003 Lexus IS vs. 1978 Toyota Century
To start off, 2003 Lexus IS is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Toyota Century. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Toyota Century would be higher. At 3,376 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Toyota Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lexus IS (201 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Century. (167 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Toyota Century weights approximately 265 kg more than 2003 Lexus IS.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 Lexus IS (296 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Century. (270 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2003 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Century.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Lexus IS | 1978 Toyota Century | |
| Make | Lexus | Toyota |
| Model | IS | Century |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2997 cc | 3376 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 296 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2870 mm |
