1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 25 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S (242 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. (218 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 250 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S (350 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 380 | S |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3818 cc | 3724 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 242 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 97.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.8 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 88 L |
