1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 vs. 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage
To start off, 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is newer by 33 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 4,700 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (420 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 205 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. (215 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage weights approximately 114 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, 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (469 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 164 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 has automatic transmission and 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage has manual transmission. 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 | 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage | |
Make | Mercedes-Benz | Aston Martin |
Model | 380 | V8 Vantage |
Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3818 cc | 4700 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Horse Power | 215 HP | 420 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7300 RPM |
Torque | 305 Nm | 469 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1596 kg | 1710 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4382 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1867 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1260 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2601 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 80 L |