1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 vs. 1990 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1990 Volkswagen Passat 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 58 more horse power than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. (157 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 should accelerate faster than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 weights approximately 276 kg more than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 Volkswagen Passat 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 Volkswagen Passat 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 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. (225 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 has automatic transmission and 1990 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1990 Volkswagen Passat 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 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
Model | 380 | Passat |
Year Released | 1979 | 1990 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3818 cc | 1780 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 215 HP | 157 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 305 Nm | 225 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 81 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 71.8 mm | 86.4 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
Top Speed | 216 km/hour | 216 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1596 kg | 1320 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4580 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2630 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 70 L |