1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 vs. 2013 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Golf 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 Volkswagen Golf (252 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. (215 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Golf 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 88 kg more than 2013 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 2013 Volkswagen Golf 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 Volkswagen Golf 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 Volkswagen Golf (329 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Golf 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 2013 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2013 Volkswagen Golf 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 | 2013 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 380 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3818 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 252 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 329 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.8 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1596 kg | 1508 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4212 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1461 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 55 L |
