1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 vs. 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit 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 149 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 weights approximately 730 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 203 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 | 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
Model | 380 | Rabbit |
Year Released | 1980 | 1978 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3818 cc | 1457 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 219 HP | 70 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 305 Nm | 102 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 79.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 71.8 mm | 73.4 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 810 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 3950 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1620 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2410 mm |