1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 vs. 2009 Nissan 370Z
To start off, 2009 Nissan 370Z 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 Nissan 370Z (332 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380. (205 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan 370Z 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 61 kg more than 2009 Nissan 370Z.
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 Nissan 370Z (366 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380. (315 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan 370Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 has automatic transmission and 2009 Nissan 370Z has manual transmission. 2009 Nissan 370Z 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 | 2009 Nissan 370Z | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
| Model | 380 | 370Z |
| Year Released | 1982 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3839 cc | 3699 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 205 HP | 332 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 315 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1554 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5140 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 72 L |
