1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 vs. 1996 Nissan Patrol
To start off, 1996 Nissan Patrol is newer by 17 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 101 more horse power than 1996 Nissan Patrol. (114 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 should accelerate faster than 1996 Nissan Patrol. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Nissan Patrol weights approximately 286 kg more than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380.
Because 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Nissan Patrol, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 1996 Nissan Patrol. (225 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Nissan Patrol. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 has automatic transmission and 1996 Nissan Patrol has manual transmission. 1996 Nissan Patrol 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 | 1996 Nissan Patrol | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
| Model | 380 | Patrol |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3818 cc | 2825 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1596 kg | 1882 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1940 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1820 mm |
