1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E 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 5,438 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E (469 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 251 more horse power than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. (218 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 275 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E (700 Nm @ 2650 RPM) has 395 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz E 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 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 380 | E |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3818 cc | 5438 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 469 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2650 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.8 mm | 92 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1835 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1500 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 80 L |
