1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 vs. 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 10 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, 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL (231 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380. (205 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 75 kg more than 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 (315 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL. (268 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 has automatic transmission and 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL has manual transmission. 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 | 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 380 | SL |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1992 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3839 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 205 HP | 231 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 315 Nm | 268 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5140 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 80 L |
