1991 Honda NSX vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380
To start off, 1991 Honda NSX is newer by 11 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, 1991 Honda NSX (281 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. (219 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 weights approximately 170 kg more than 1991 Honda NSX.
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 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Honda NSX. (294 Nm @ 5400 RPM). This means 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Honda NSX. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 has automatic transmission and 1991 Honda NSX has manual transmission. 1991 Honda NSX 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:
| 1991 Honda NSX | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | NSX | 380 |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 3818 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 281 HP | 219 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 71.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 90 L |
