1976 Holden Torana vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380
To start off, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Holden Torana. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Holden Torana would be higher. At 3,818 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 (215 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 153 more horse power than 1976 Holden Torana. (62 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 should accelerate faster than 1976 Holden Torana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 weights approximately 741 kg more than 1976 Holden Torana. 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, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 209 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Holden Torana. (96 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Holden Torana. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 has automatic transmission and 1976 Holden Torana has manual transmission. 1976 Holden Torana 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:
| 1976 Holden Torana | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 | |
| Make | Holden | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Torana | 380 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1256 cc | 3818 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 855 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2940 mm |
