1971 De Tomaso Pantera vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380
To start off, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 De Tomaso Pantera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 De Tomaso Pantera would be higher. At 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 De Tomaso Pantera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 De Tomaso Pantera (350 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. (218 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 De Tomaso Pantera should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 De Tomaso Pantera weights approximately 40 kg more than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1971 De Tomaso Pantera (481 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1971 De Tomaso Pantera 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 1971 De Tomaso Pantera has manual transmission. 1971 De Tomaso Pantera 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:
| 1971 De Tomaso Pantera | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 | |
| Make | De Tomaso | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Pantera | 380 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 5766 cc | 3818 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 218 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 481 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 71.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1100 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2820 mm |
