1942 Mercedes-Benz 500 vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380
To start off, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 5,401 cc (8 cylinders), 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 (219 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500. (177 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 should accelerate faster than 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 860 kg more than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500 (432 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 has automatic transmission and 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500 has manual transmission. 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500 | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 500 | 380 |
| Year Released | 1942 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5401 cc | 3818 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 177 HP | 219 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 432 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111 mm | 71.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2400 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5160 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 120 L | 90 L |
