1984 Ford Falcon vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380
To start off, 1984 Ford Falcon is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 would be higher. At 3,818 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 (215 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1984 Ford Falcon. (120 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 should accelerate faster than 1984 Ford Falcon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 weights approximately 222 kg more than 1984 Ford Falcon. 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, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Ford Falcon. (240 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Ford Falcon.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Ford Falcon | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Falcon | 380 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3273 cc | 3818 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1374 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2940 mm |
