1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 vs. 2012 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2012 Nissan Altima 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, 2012 Nissan Altima (270 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. (218 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Altima 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 48 kg more than 2012 Nissan Altima.
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 Nissan Altima, 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, 2012 Nissan Altima (349 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Altima 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 | 2012 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
| Model | 380 | Altima |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3818 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1512 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2675 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 76 L |
