1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 292 more horse power than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. (218 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 335 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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 SL (830 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 525 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 SL | |
Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 380 | SL |
Year Released | 1980 | 2009 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3818 cc | 5513 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Horse Power | 218 HP | 510 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 305 Nm | 830 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 82 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 71.8 mm | 87 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1225 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4540 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1820 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1300 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2570 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 80 L |