1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 vs. 2009 BMW 330
To start off, 2009 BMW 330 is newer by 27 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, 2009 BMW 330 (228 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380. (204 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 weights approximately 10 kg more than 2009 BMW 330.
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, 2009 BMW 330 (500 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380. (315 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 330 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 | 2009 BMW 330 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | 380 | 330 |
| Year Released | 1982 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3839 cc | 2991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 204 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 315 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2770 mm |
