1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 vs. 1991 Nissan Vanette
To start off, 1991 Nissan Vanette is newer by 11 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 132 more horse power than 1991 Nissan Vanette. (86 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 should accelerate faster than 1991 Nissan Vanette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 weights approximately 130 kg more than 1991 Nissan Vanette. 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 157 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Nissan Vanette. (148 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Nissan Vanette. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 has automatic transmission and 1991 Nissan Vanette has manual transmission. 1991 Nissan Vanette 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 | 1991 Nissan Vanette | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
| Model | 380 | Vanette |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3818 cc | 1952 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1940 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2080 mm |
