1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 vs. 1999 Porsche Boxster
To start off, 1999 Porsche Boxster is newer by 19 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, 1999 Porsche Boxster (249 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. (218 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Porsche Boxster should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 weights approximately 300 kg more than 1999 Porsche Boxster.
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, both vehicles can yield 305 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 has automatic transmission and 1999 Porsche Boxster has manual transmission. 1999 Porsche Boxster 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 | 1999 Porsche Boxster | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | 380 | Boxster |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3818 cc | 3179 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 249 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 93.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.8 mm | 78 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 | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2360 mm |
