1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 26 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 (219 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. (148 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 245 kg more than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380.
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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz C 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 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 380 | C |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3818 cc | 2147 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 219 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.8 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 218 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 62 L |
