1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 vs. 2013 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2013 Ford Taurus is newer by 34 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, 2013 Ford Taurus (360 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 145 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. (215 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Ford Taurus weights approximately 377 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 2013 Ford Taurus is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Ford Taurus 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, 2013 Ford Taurus (475 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2013 Ford Taurus 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 | 2013 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Ford |
| Model | 380 | Taurus |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3818 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 360 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 475 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.8 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1596 kg | 1973 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 5154 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 2177 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1542 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2868 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 72 L |
