1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 vs. 2006 Nissan 350Z
To start off, 2006 Nissan 350Z 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, 2006 Nissan 350Z (300 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. (218 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Nissan 350Z weights approximately 15 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, 2006 Nissan 350Z (354 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Nissan 350Z 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 2006 Nissan 350Z has manual transmission. 2006 Nissan 350Z 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 | 2006 Nissan 350Z | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
| Model | 380 | 350Z |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3818 cc | 3491 cc |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 354 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| 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 | 1575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 76 L |
