1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 vs. 2012 Ascari KZ1
To start off, 2012 Ascari KZ1 is newer by 32 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 4,941 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Ascari KZ1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ascari KZ1 (500 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 282 more horse power than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. (218 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ascari KZ1 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 210 kg more than 2012 Ascari KZ1.
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, 2012 Ascari KZ1 (550 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 245 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Ascari KZ1 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 2012 Ascari KZ1 has manual transmission. 2012 Ascari KZ1 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 | 2012 Ascari KZ1 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Ascari |
| Model | 380 | KZ1 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3818 cc | 4941 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 500 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 550 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.8 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| 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 | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1852 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1138 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2636 mm |
