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Toyota Century I (VG45) 4.0 i (165 Hp)
Overall Rating
Toyota Century:
The Toyota Century is a lineup of full-size luxury cars and limousines produced mainly for the Japanese market, serving as Toyota's flagship car within Japan; globally the unrelated Lexus brand houses Toyota's flagship luxury model. Production of the Century began in 1967, and the model received only minor changes until redesigns in 1997 and 2018.
The Century derived its name from the 100th birthday of Sakichi Toyoda , the founder of Toyota Industries. It is often used by the Imperial House of Japan, the Prime Minister of Japan, senior Japanese government leaders, and high-level executive businessmen. The Century is comparable in purpose to the Austin Princess/Daimler DS420, Cadillac Series 70, Mercedes-Maybach, Hongqi, Rolls-Royce Phantom, and Russian ZIL limousines....(Read more on Wikipedia)
I (VG45) Overview:
Toyota Century (I (VG45)). With 289 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1860 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
4.0 i (165 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 4.0L V8 (5V-EU) provides smooth, unhurried acceleration suitable for a luxury cruiser. While 165 Hp is modest for a 4.0L, it delivers sufficient power for comfortable highway cruising and dignified urban travel, prioritizing refinement over speed.
Fuel Economy
Fuel consumption of 12.1 l/100 km (approx. 19.4 MPG US) is high by contemporary standards but typical for a large, naturally aspirated V8 from this era. Owners should expect significant fuel costs, especially in city driving.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exceptional ride comfort and quiet cabin
- • Robust and generally reliable 4.0L V8 engine
- • Distinctive, understated luxury styling
- • Spacious and well-appointed interior
- • Durable build quality
Cons:
- • High fuel consumption (12.1 l/100 km)
- • Modest power output for a 4.0L V8
- • Outdated safety technology compared to modern vehicles
- • Limited availability of parts outside Japan
- • Large turning radius for city driving
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(I (G40): 1978 - 1982).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Toyota |
| Model: | Century |
| Generation: | I (VG45) |
| Modification (Engine): | 4.0 i (165 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1990 |
| End of production: | 1997 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 165 Hp @ 4400 rpm. [0hp less] |
| Power per litre: | 41.3 Hp/l [worst than previous generation] |
| Torque: | 289 Nm @ 3600 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | 5V-EU More details about the engine 5V-EU |
| Engine displacement: | 3994 |
| Number of cylinders: | 8 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 87 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 84 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 8.6:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 12.1 l/100 km |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 11.3 kg/Hp, 88.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.4 kg/Nm, 155.4 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1860 |
| Max. weight: | 2135 |
| Max load: | 275 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 95 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 5120 mm |
| Width: | 1890 mm |
| Height: | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2860 mm |
| Front track: | 1575 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1550 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 215/65 R15 S |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
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