1996 Mercedes-Benz E vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 16 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 4,266 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E (275 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. (219 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 512 kg more than 1980 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E (400 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz E | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | E | 380 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4266 cc | 3818 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 275 HP | 219 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 71.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2052 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 90 L |
