1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 29 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (269 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. (215 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 229 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (350 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 380 | SL |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3818 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 269 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 92.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.8 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Top Speed | 216 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1596 kg | 1825 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 80 L |
