1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 vs. 2009 BMW 330
To start off, 2009 BMW 330 is newer by 30 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, 2009 BMW 330 (268 HP @ 6650 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. (215 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 weights approximately 51 kg more than 2009 BMW 330.
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, 2009 BMW 330 (315 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 330 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 | 2009 BMW 330 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | 380 | 330 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3818 cc | 2994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6650 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.8 mm | 88 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 | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1596 kg | 1545 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 63 L |
