1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 vs. 1984 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1984 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 would be higher. At 3,839 cc (8 cylinders), 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 (205 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 should accelerate faster than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 weights approximately 485 kg more than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1982 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 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 Pontiac Grand Am, 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, 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 (315 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 has automatic transmission and 1984 Pontiac Grand Am has manual transmission. 1984 Pontiac Grand Am will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 | 1984 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | 380 | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3839 cc | 2469 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 205 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 315 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5140 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2630 mm |
