1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 vs. 2009 BMW 325
To start off, 2009 BMW 325 is newer by 29 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 (218 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2009 BMW 325. (189 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 325. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 325 weights approximately 80 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, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 325. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 325.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 | 2009 BMW 325 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | 380 | 325 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3818 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.8 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1640 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 63 L |
