1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 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 34 more horse power than 1986 Mercedes-Benz S. (185 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 should accelerate faster than 1986 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 10 kg more than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380.
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 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Mercedes-Benz S. (260 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Mercedes-Benz S. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 has automatic transmission and 1986 Mercedes-Benz S has manual transmission. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S 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 | 1986 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 380 | S |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3818 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 219 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| 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 | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2950 mm |
