1984 Ford Mustang vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380
To start off, 1984 Ford Mustang is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 would be higher. At 3,818 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 (218 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1984 Ford Mustang. (88 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 should accelerate faster than 1984 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 weights approximately 375 kg more than 1984 Ford Mustang. 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, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Ford Mustang. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 has automatic transmission and 1984 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 1984 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Ford Mustang | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Mustang | 380 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2292 cc | 3818 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 218 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 71.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2820 mm |
