1990 Cadillac DeVille vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380
To start off, 1990 Cadillac DeVille is newer by 11 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 4,467 cc (8 cylinders), 1990 Cadillac DeVille is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 (215 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1990 Cadillac DeVille. (153 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 should accelerate faster than 1990 Cadillac DeVille. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 weights approximately 56 kg more than 1990 Cadillac DeVille. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Cadillac DeVille, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1990 Cadillac DeVille (325 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1990 Cadillac DeVille will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Cadillac DeVille | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | DeVille | 380 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4467 cc | 3818 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 71.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5160 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2940 mm |
