1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 would be higher. At 3,818 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 (220 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. (215 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 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 126 kg more than 1989 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 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. (265 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 has automatic transmission and 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 has manual transmission. 1989 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:
1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 | 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 380 | 300 |
Year Released | 1979 | 1989 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3818 cc | 2962 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 215 HP | 220 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6400 RPM |
Torque | 305 Nm | 265 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
Top Speed | 216 km/hour | 232 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1596 kg | 1470 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4660 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1750 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1430 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2720 mm |