1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 vs. 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe 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 5,300 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe (320 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. (215 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe weights approximately 875 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 Chevrolet Tahoe (454 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe 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 | 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Chevrolet |
| Model | 380 | Tahoe |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3818 cc | 5300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 320 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 454 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1596 kg | 2471 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 5131 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 2007 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1953 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2946 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 98 L |
