1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 vs. 1995 Vauxhall Carlton
To start off, 1995 Vauxhall Carlton is newer by 15 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, 1995 Vauxhall Carlton (355 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. (218 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Vauxhall Carlton should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Vauxhall Carlton weights approximately 40 kg more than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. 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, 1995 Vauxhall Carlton (531 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 226 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1995 Vauxhall Carlton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 has automatic transmission and 1995 Vauxhall Carlton has manual transmission. 1995 Vauxhall Carlton 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 | 1995 Vauxhall Carlton | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Vauxhall |
| Model | 380 | Carlton |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3818 cc | 3638 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 355 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 531 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2740 mm |
