1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 vs. 2011 BMW 120
To start off, 2011 BMW 120 is newer by 32 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 47 more horse power than 2011 BMW 120. (168 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 weights approximately 71 kg more than 2011 BMW 120. 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, 2011 BMW 120 (341 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 120 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 | 2011 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | 380 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3818 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 341 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.8 mm | 90 mm |
| Top Speed | 216 km/hour | 215 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1596 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1440 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 51 L |
