1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 vs. 2012 Buick LaCrosse
To start off, 2012 Buick LaCrosse 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 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 36 more horse power than 2012 Buick LaCrosse. (182 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 should accelerate faster than 2012 Buick LaCrosse. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Buick LaCrosse weights approximately 180 kg more than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380.
Because 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Buick LaCrosse, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 72 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Buick LaCrosse. (233 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Buick LaCrosse.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 | 2012 Buick LaCrosse | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Buick |
| Model | 380 | LaCrosse |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3818 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 5001 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1857 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2837 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 59 L |
