1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 vs. 2006 Porsche 911
To start off, 2006 Porsche 911 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 Porsche 911 (376 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 158 more horse power than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. (218 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Porsche 911 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 165 kg more than 2006 Porsche 911.
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 Porsche 911 (385 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Porsche 911 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 Porsche 911 has manual transmission. 2006 Porsche 911 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 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | 380 | 911 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3818 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 376 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 385 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.8 mm | 76.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.7:1 |
| 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 | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 89 L |
