1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 vs. 2008 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2008 Toyota Highlander 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, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 (215 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2008 Toyota Highlander. (209 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 should accelerate faster than 2008 Toyota Highlander. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 weights approximately 266 kg more than 2008 Toyota Highlander. 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, 2008 Toyota Highlander, 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 18 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Toyota Highlander. (287 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Toyota Highlander.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 | 2008 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | 380 | Highlander |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3818 cc | 3311 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 209 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 287 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1596 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1770 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 65 L |
