1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 vs. 2004 Porsche 996
To start off, 2004 Porsche 996 is newer by 25 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, 2004 Porsche 996 (317 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. (215 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Porsche 996 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 76 kg more than 2004 Porsche 996.
Because 2004 Porsche 996 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, 2004 Porsche 996 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, 2004 Porsche 996 (370 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Porsche 996 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 2004 Porsche 996 has manual transmission. 2004 Porsche 996 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 | 2004 Porsche 996 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | 380 | 996 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3818 cc | 3596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.8 mm | 82.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1596 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 64 L |
