1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 26 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 95 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz C. (120 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 weights approximately 106 kg more than 2005 Mercedes-Benz C. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mercedes-Benz C. (270 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 380 | C |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3818 cc | 2147 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.8 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 216 km/hour | 208 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1596 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 62 L |
