1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 vs. 2004 Smart ForFour
To start off, 2004 Smart ForFour 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, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 (215 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 2004 Smart ForFour. (74 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 should accelerate faster than 2004 Smart ForFour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 weights approximately 631 kg more than 2004 Smart ForFour. 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, 2004 Smart ForFour, 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 205 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Smart ForFour. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Smart ForFour. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 has automatic transmission and 2004 Smart ForFour has manual transmission. 2004 Smart ForFour 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 Smart ForFour | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Smart |
| Model | 380 | ForFour |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3818 cc | 1123 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 75.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.8 mm | 84.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 216 km/hour | 165 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1596 kg | 965 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 3760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 47 L |
