1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 vs. 2011 BMW 535
To start off, 2011 BMW 535 is newer by 31 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, 2011 BMW 535 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. (219 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 535 weights approximately 380 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.
Because 2011 BMW 535 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 BMW 535 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2011 BMW 535 (406 Nm @ 1200 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 535 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 | 2011 BMW 535 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | 380 | 535 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3818 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 219 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4905 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1859 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1463 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2969 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 70 L |
