1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 vs. 1968 Simca 1301
To start off, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Simca 1301. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Simca 1301 would be higher. At 3,818 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 (219 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 151 more horse power than 1968 Simca 1301. (68 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 should accelerate faster than 1968 Simca 1301. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 weights approximately 545 kg more than 1968 Simca 1301. 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, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 181 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Simca 1301. (124 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Simca 1301. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 has automatic transmission and 1968 Simca 1301 has manual transmission. 1968 Simca 1301 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 | 1968 Simca 1301 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Simca |
| Model | 380 | 1301 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3818 cc | 1475 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 219 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 60 L |
