1977 BMW 528 vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380
To start off, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 BMW 528. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 BMW 528 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 37 more horse power than 1977 BMW 528. (178 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 should accelerate faster than 1977 BMW 528. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 weights approximately 180 kg more than 1977 BMW 528. 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 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 BMW 528. (234 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 BMW 528. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 has automatic transmission and 1977 BMW 528 has manual transmission. 1977 BMW 528 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:
| 1977 BMW 528 | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 528 | 380 |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2788 cc | 3818 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 178 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 234 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 71.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1416 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2940 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 90 L |
