1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 vs. 2002 Noble M12
To start off, 2002 Noble M12 is newer by 23 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, 2002 Noble M12 (335 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. (215 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Noble M12 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 546 kg more than 2002 Noble M12.
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, 2002 Noble M12 (485 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Noble M12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 has automatic transmission and 2002 Noble M12 has manual transmission. 2002 Noble M12 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 | 2002 Noble M12 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Noble |
| Model | 380 | M12 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3818 cc | 2968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 485 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1596 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2440 mm |
