1982 Toyota Century I (G40) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the Toyota Century I (G40) is approximately 1,820 kg (4,014 lbs). This considerable weight is typical for luxury sedans of its time, built with heavy materials to ensure comfort, sound insulation, and safety. The added weight contributes to a stable and smooth ride by dampening road imperfections and enhancing the feeling of solidity. However, it also means the car’s acceleration may be modest compared to lighter vehicles, prioritizing comfort and quietness over sporty performance.

With a width of approximately 1,880 mm (74.0 inches), the Toyota Century I (G40) is wider than many regular sedans, which can make parking and maneuvering in tight city spaces somewhat challenging. Its broad stance reflects its luxury status, providing a spacious interior, but drivers should be cautious in narrow lanes or crowded parking lots. Despite its size, careful driving and experience with larger vehicles can mitigate parking challenges, but it’s advisable to look for wider parking spaces suitable for executive-class sedans.

The Toyota Century I (G40) was designed with passenger comfort and luxury in mind, offering a spacious interior ideal for chauffeur-driven transport. Its generous exterior dimensions translate to ample legroom and headroom, especially for rear passengers. Materials and craftsmanship focused on elegance and refinement, with high-quality upholstery, wood trim, and sound insulation to create a tranquil cabin environment. The rear seats often featured additional luxury options, emphasizing the Century’s role as a premium executive sedan in Japan.

The Toyota Century I (G40), with a length of 5,050 mm (198.8 inches) and width of 1,880 mm (74.0 inches), approaches the upper limit of many standard residential garages, especially those in Japan where space is typically more constrained. A standard garage is often around 5 to 6 meters in depth and about 2.4 to 2.7 meters wide. While the Century fits within these dimensions, clearance can be tight, leaving limited room for opening doors fully and maneuvering around the vehicle. Owners might need to consider wider or deeper garage spaces or custom modifications to accommodate this luxury sedan comfortably.

The Toyota Century I (G40) was introduced as a refreshed and slightly larger iteration compared to the original first-generation Century produced from 1967 to 1978. The G40 generation grew in both length and width, with a length of approximately 5,050 mm compared to about 4,930 mm in the predecessor, and an increased width from roughly 1,800 mm to 1,880 mm. This increase enhanced interior space and road presence, aligning with growing luxury expectations. The design updates also included modernized features while maintaining the prestigious aura that defined the Century lineage.

Compared to other luxury sedans from the late 1970s and early 1980s, such as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W116) and the BMW 7 Series (E23), the Toyota Century I (G40) is similar in length and overall size, aiming for a commanding presence. The Century's 5,050 mm length and 1,880 mm width matched the executive-class segment’s standards, with an emphasis on spacious rear seating typically favored in Japanese luxury cars. However, the Century distinguished itself with a focus on sumptuous rear passenger comfort and a discreet, stately design rather than sporty or aggressive styling seen in some European counterparts.

The Toyota Century I (G40) stands approximately 1,470 mm (57.9 inches) tall, which is relatively low for a full-size luxury sedan, giving it a sleek profile. This lower height contributes to a refined and elegant silhouette, emphasizing luxury over bulkiness while aiding stable handling at cruising speeds. Although lower than some contemporaries, the height is sufficient to ensure comfortable headroom inside. Aerodynamically, the car features smooth lines that reduce drag, contributing to quiet and efficient highway cruising in line with the Century's premium executive sedan aspirations.

As a luxury sedan, the Toyota Century I (G40) provides a generously sized trunk designed to accommodate luggage and other needs of executive passengers. While exact trunk volume figures are not widely documented, owners report that the space is on par with large sedans of the era, typically ranging around 400 to 450 liters (14 to 16 cubic feet). The trunk is practical for both short trips and longer journeys, emphasizing secure storage of items while maintaining an uncluttered passenger cabin. The Century’s rear design also facilitates easy access to the storage area.

The Toyota Century I (G40) typically features a fuel tank capacity of around 90 liters (approximately 23.8 US gallons), which supports its role as a long-distance, chauffeur-driven luxury sedan. Fuel economy was not a primary focus during this era, especially given its sizable V8 engine and weight. The average fuel consumption falls roughly between 9 and 12 liters per 100 kilometers (around 19.6 to 26.1 miles per gallon US), depending on driving conditions. Owners expected a balance of power and smooth ride over fuel efficiency, consistent with the Century's premium positioning.