2005 Mercedes-Benz A vs. 1996 Toyota Century
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Toyota Century. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Toyota Century would be higher. At 3,995 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Toyota Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Toyota Century (153 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz A. (80 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Toyota Century should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Toyota Century weights approximately 780 kg more than 2005 Mercedes-Benz A. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 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 1996 Toyota Century. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz A, 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, 1996 Toyota Century (289 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 159 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mercedes-Benz A. (130 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1996 Toyota Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mercedes-Benz A. 1996 Toyota Century has automatic transmission and 2005 Mercedes-Benz A has manual transmission. 2005 Mercedes-Benz A will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Toyota Century will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz A | 1996 Toyota Century | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | A | Century |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1395 cc | 3995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 289 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2870 mm |
