Which Toyota Century Version Should You Buy?
Choosing a Toyota Century from the listed specifications means deciding among three generations and five recorded versions, all Sedan models with RWD. The first generation ran from 1982 to 1997 and offers the gasoline 3.4 AT and 4.0 AT. The second generation ran from 1997 to 2017 and has two gasoline 5.0 AT versions, distinguished here by their gearboxes and torque figures.
Choosing a Toyota Century from the listed specifications means deciding among three generations and five recorded versions, all Sedan models with RWD. The first generation ran from 1982 to 1997 and offers the gasoline 3.4 AT and 4.0 AT. The second generation ran from 1997 to 2017 and has two gasoline 5.0 AT versions, distinguished here by their gearboxes and torque figures. The third generation began in 2017 and offers one hybrid 5.0 CVT. Based strictly on the available numbers, the 5.0 CVT is the clear choice for maximum power and torque, either second-generation 5.0 AT is the choice for a 12-cylinder engine, and the first-generation versions suit buyers who specifically want the earliest generation represented in this catalogue.
Toyota Century generations compared
The first-generation Toyota Century was produced from 1982 to 1997 as a Sedan. Its two versions are the 3.4 AT, with 170 hp from 3,376 cc, and the 4.0 AT, with 165 hp from 3,994 cc. Both use Gasoline, a V-shaped 8-cylinder engine, a 4-speed Automatic gearbox, and RWD. Although the 3.4 AT has 618 cc less displacement, it produces 5 hp more than the 4.0 AT. The 3.4 AT therefore delivers approximately 50.4 hp per litre, compared with approximately 41.3 hp per litre for the 4.0 AT. Torque for the 3.4 AT is not measured, so a complete torque comparison is impossible.
The second-generation Toyota Century was produced from 1997 to 2017 as a Sedan, with two recorded 5.0 AT versions. Both have a 4,996 cc Gasoline, V-shaped 12-cylinder engine producing 280 hp at 5,200 rpm. One combines a 4-speed Automatic gearbox with 480 Nm at 4,000 rpm and a 2,000 kg kerb weight. The other combines a 6-speed Automatic gearbox with 460 Nm at 4,000 rpm and a 2,050 kg kerb weight. The 4-speed version has 20 Nm more torque and weighs 50 kg less; the 6-speed version provides two additional forward gears. Because their names are identical, buyers should identify them by the gearbox and torque specification rather than by the 5.0 AT badge alone.
The third-generation Toyota Century began production in 2017 as a Sedan and has one listed version, the 5.0 CVT. Its 4,968 cc Hybrid, V-shaped 8-cylinder engine produces 381 hp at 6,200 rpm and 510 Nm at 4,000 rpm. It uses a Variable gearbox and RWD. Against either 280 hp second-generation 5.0 AT, the 5.0 CVT adds 101 hp. It also provides 30 Nm more torque than the 480 Nm 5.0 AT and 50 Nm more than the 460 Nm 5.0 AT, although its 2,370 kg kerb weight is respectively 370 kg and 320 kg higher.
Toyota Century engine specs
| Generation | Exact version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders and layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First | 3.4 AT | 170 hp | not measured | 3,376 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | RWD |
| First | 4.0 AT | 165 hp at 4,400 rpm | 289 Nm at 3,600 rpm | 3,994 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Second | 5.0 AT, 480 Nm | 280 hp at 5,200 rpm | 480 Nm at 4,000 rpm | 4,996 cc | Gasoline | 12, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Second | 5.0 AT, 460 Nm | 280 hp at 5,200 rpm | 460 Nm at 4,000 rpm | 4,996 cc | Gasoline | 12, V-shaped | No | 6-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Third | 5.0 CVT | 381 hp at 6,200 rpm | 510 Nm at 4,000 rpm | 4,968 cc | Hybrid | 8, V-shaped | No | Variable | RWD |
The 5.0 CVT has the strongest power-per-litre result at approximately 76.7 hp per litre. Each second-generation 5.0 AT produces approximately 56.0 hp per litre. The first-generation 3.4 AT follows at approximately 50.4 hp per litre, while the 4.0 AT produces approximately 41.3 hp per litre.
Engine hardware also separates the generations. The first-generation 4.0 AT has 2 valves per cylinder, multi-point Distributed injection, and an 8.6 compression ratio. Valve count, injection system, and compression ratio for the 3.4 AT are not measured. Both second-generation 5.0 AT versions have 4 valves per cylinder, multi-point Distributed injection, and a 10.5 compression ratio. The third-generation 5.0 CVT has 4 valves per cylinder and Direct injection; its compression ratio is not measured. No listed Century version has boost.
Toyota Century horsepower, torque, and weight
Power alone favors the 5.0 CVT, but weight changes the comparison. At 2,370 kg and 381 hp, it carries approximately 6.22 kg per horsepower. The 480 Nm 5.0 AT weighs 2,000 kg and produces 280 hp, giving approximately 7.14 kg per horsepower. The 460 Nm 5.0 AT weighs 2,050 kg with the same 280 hp, or approximately 7.32 kg per horsepower. The first-generation 4.0 AT weighs 1,840 kg and produces 165 hp, resulting in approximately 11.15 kg per horsepower. Kerb weight for the 3.4 AT is not measured, so its weight-per-horsepower figure cannot be calculated.
These figures make the 5.0 CVT the strongest power-to-weight choice among versions with measured kerb weight. The 480 Nm 5.0 AT is the better of the two 12-cylinder versions by the same measure: it matches the other 5.0 AT at 280 hp while weighing 50 kg less and producing 20 Nm more torque.
Toyota Century performance and economy
Acceleration from 0–100 km/h is not measured for the 3.4 AT, 4.0 AT, either 5.0 AT, or the 5.0 CVT. Top speed is also not measured for every listed version. Consequently, the catalogue specifications support comparisons of engine output and kerb weight, but not claims about which version accelerates fastest or reaches the highest speed.
City fuel consumption, highway fuel consumption, and combined fuel consumption are not measured for all five versions. CO₂ output and environmental class are likewise not measured. The 5.0 CVT is identified as Hybrid, while the other four versions are Gasoline, but the absence of measured consumption prevents a numerical economy ranking.
Fuel requirements differ where recorded. The first-generation 4.0 AT uses 92 fuel, both second-generation 5.0 AT versions use 95, and the third-generation 5.0 CVT uses 98. The fuel specification for the first-generation 3.4 AT is not measured.
Toyota Century dimensions, kerb weight, and tank capacity
Overall length, width, height, and wheelbase are not measured for any listed generation or version. Wheel sizes are also not measured throughout the range, so those dimensions cannot be used to choose between versions.
The available weight and chassis figures still reveal meaningful differences:
| Exact version | Kerb weight | Gross weight | Ground clearance | Fuel tank | Wheel sizes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.4 AT | not measured | not measured | not measured | 95 L | not measured |
| 4.0 AT | 1,840 kg | not measured | 155 mm | 95 L | not measured |
| 5.0 AT, 480 Nm | 2,000 kg | not measured | 135 mm | 95 L | not measured |
| 5.0 AT, 460 Nm | 2,050 kg | not measured | 135 mm | 95 L | not measured |
| 5.0 CVT | 2,370 kg | not measured | 135 mm | 82 L | not measured |
The 4.0 AT has 20 mm more ground clearance than either second-generation 5.0 AT and the third-generation 5.0 CVT. Its 1,840 kg kerb weight is 160 kg below the lighter second-generation 5.0 AT, 210 kg below the heavier 5.0 AT, and 530 kg below the 5.0 CVT. The first- and second-generation versions have 95 L tanks, while the 5.0 CVT has an 82 L tank, a difference of 13 L. Tank capacity alone does not establish driving range because fuel consumption is not measured.
Both first-generation versions use Independent, spring front suspension and Dependent, spring rear suspension. The second-generation 5.0 AT versions and the third-generation 5.0 CVT use Independent, spring suspension at both ends. Every version has Ventilated disc front brakes. Rear brakes for the 3.4 AT are not measured; the 4.0 AT, both 5.0 AT versions, and the 5.0 CVT have ventilated disc rear brakes.
Which Toyota Century version to choose
Choose the third-generation 5.0 CVT when maximum measured output matters most. Its 381 hp exceeds every other listed version, its 510 Nm is the highest measured torque, and its approximately 6.22 kg per horsepower is the best calculated weight-to-power result. The trade-offs visible in the data are its 2,370 kg kerb weight, 82 L tank, and requirement for 98 fuel.
Choose the second-generation 480 Nm 5.0 AT when the priority is the V-shaped 12-cylinder engine and the strongest numerical specification within that generation. Compared with the other 280 hp 5.0 AT, it offers 20 Nm more torque and weighs 50 kg less. Its 4-speed Automatic has two fewer forward gears than the alternative.
Choose the second-generation 460 Nm 5.0 AT specifically when the 6-speed Automatic gearbox is preferable. It has the same 280 hp and 4,996 cc displacement as the 4-speed version, but its measured torque is 460 Nm rather than 480 Nm and its kerb weight is 2,050 kg rather than 2,000 kg.
Among the first-generation cars, the 3.4 AT produces 170 hp, which is 5 hp more than the 4.0 AT, despite using 618 cc less displacement. That makes the 3.4 AT the more compelling first-generation choice on power and power per litre. However, its torque, kerb weight, ground clearance, fuel requirement, and rear-brake type are not measured.
The 4.0 AT is the better-documented first-generation option. It provides 165 hp, 289 Nm, a 1,840 kg kerb weight, 155 mm of ground clearance, and a 95 L tank. It is also the lightest version with a measured kerb weight. Its approximately 11.15 kg per horsepower, however, trails both second-generation 5.0 AT versions and the third-generation 5.0 CVT.
No price or for-sale data is provided, so the specifications cannot show what any extra purchase cost buys. On the measurable evidence alone, the shortlist is straightforward: 5.0 CVT for the highest output and best calculated kg-per-horsepower figure, 480 Nm 5.0 AT for the strongest 12-cylinder specification, 460 Nm 5.0 AT for the 6-speed Automatic, 3.4 AT for the highest first-generation horsepower, and 4.0 AT for the fullest set of measured first-generation weight, torque, and clearance data.