1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E 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 3,996 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E (310 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. (215 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 300 kg more than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E (730 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 425 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 380 | E |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3818 cc | 3996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 730 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.8 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 216 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1596 kg | 1896 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 80 L |
