1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 vs. 1987 TVR Tasmin
To start off, 1987 TVR Tasmin is newer by 7 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 (218 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1987 TVR Tasmin. (196 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 should accelerate faster than 1987 TVR Tasmin. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 weights approximately 440 kg more than 1987 TVR Tasmin. 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 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 TVR Tasmin. (301 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 TVR Tasmin. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 has automatic transmission and 1987 TVR Tasmin has manual transmission. 1987 TVR Tasmin 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 | 1987 TVR Tasmin | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | TVR |
| Model | 380 | Tasmin |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3818 cc | 3528 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 196 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 301 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.8 mm | 71.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2390 mm |
