1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380
To start off, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 3,818 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 (238 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. (215 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 weights approximately 210 kg more than 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300.
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, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300. (271 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 has automatic transmission and 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 has manual transmission. 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 300 | 380 |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 3818 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 71.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.6:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 216 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1386 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2940 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 90 L |
