1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 vs. 2006 BMW 535
To start off, 2006 BMW 535 is newer by 24 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, 2006 BMW 535 (268 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380. (205 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 535 weights approximately 125 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, 2006 BMW 535 (560 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 245 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380. (315 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 | 2006 BMW 535 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | 380 | 535 |
| Year Released | 1982 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3839 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 205 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 315 Nm | 560 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 16.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5140 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 70 L |
