1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 29 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 6,000 cc (12 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL (621 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 417 more horse power than 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380. (204 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 670 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL (999 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 684 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380. (315 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL 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 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 380 | CL |
| Year Released | 1982 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3839 cc | 6000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 204 HP | 621 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 315 Nm | 999 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 2280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 5105 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1427 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2954 mm |
