1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 vs. 1990 Mercedes-Benz G
To start off, 1990 Mercedes-Benz G is newer by 11 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, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 (215 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1990 Mercedes-Benz G. (125 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercedes-Benz G. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercedes-Benz G weights approximately 284 kg more than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380.
Because 1990 Mercedes-Benz G is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Mercedes-Benz G will offer significantly more control. 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 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercedes-Benz G. (186 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercedes-Benz G. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 has automatic transmission and 1990 Mercedes-Benz G has manual transmission. 1990 Mercedes-Benz G 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 | 1990 Mercedes-Benz G | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 380 | G |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3818 cc | 2299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.8 mm | 80.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1596 kg | 1880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1940 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2410 mm |
