2005 Scion xA vs. 1978 Toyota Century
To start off, 2005 Scion xA is newer by 27 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, 1978 Toyota Century (167 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 2005 Scion xA. (106 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Toyota Century should accelerate faster than 2005 Scion xA. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Toyota Century weights approximately 735 kg more than 2005 Scion xA. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Toyota Century. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Scion xA, 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, 1978 Toyota Century (270 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Scion xA. (142 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1978 Toyota Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Scion xA. 1978 Toyota Century has automatic transmission and 2005 Scion xA has manual transmission. 2005 Scion xA will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Toyota Century will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Scion xA | 1978 Toyota Century | |
| Make | Scion | Toyota |
| Model | xA | Century |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1495 cc | 3376 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 142 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1070 kg | 1805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2380 mm | 2870 mm |
