1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 vs. 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass is newer by 18 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 65 more horse power than 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass. (150 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 should accelerate faster than 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 weights approximately 196 kg more than 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass, 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 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass. (249 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 | 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Oldsmobile |
| Model | 380 | Cutlass |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3818 cc | 3134 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 249 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1596 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 76 L |
