1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 vs. 2008 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Touareg 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 Volkswagen Touareg (277 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. (215 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Touareg should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 654 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.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Touareg is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Touareg will offer significantly more control. 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 Volkswagen Touareg (360 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Touareg 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 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 380 | Touareg |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3818 cc | 3597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 277 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.8 mm | 95.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 216 km/hour | 218 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1596 kg | 2250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 100 L |
