1978 Dodge Aspen vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380
To start off, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Dodge Aspen. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Dodge Aspen 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 115 more horse power than 1978 Dodge Aspen. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 should accelerate faster than 1978 Dodge Aspen. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 weights approximately 131 kg more than 1978 Dodge Aspen. 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 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Dodge Aspen. (231 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Dodge Aspen.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Dodge Aspen | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Aspen | 380 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3687 cc | 3818 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2940 mm |
