2009 Hyundai Sonata vs. 1978 Toyota Century
To start off, 2009 Hyundai Sonata is newer by 31 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, 2009 Hyundai Sonata (250 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Century. (167 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Hyundai Sonata should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Toyota Century weights approximately 686 kg more than 2009 Hyundai Sonata.
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, 2009 Hyundai Sonata, 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, 2009 Hyundai Sonata (311 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Century. (270 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2009 Hyundai Sonata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Century.
Compare all specifications:
2009 Hyundai Sonata | 1978 Toyota Century | |
Make | Hyundai | Toyota |
Model | Sonata | Century |
Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3342 cc | 3376 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 250 HP | 167 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
Torque | 311 Nm | 270 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1119 kg | 1805 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 4990 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1900 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1470 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2870 mm |