1997 Honda NSX vs. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380
To start off, 1997 Honda NSX is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 would be higher. At 3,839 cc (8 cylinders), 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Honda NSX (290 HP @ 7100 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380. (205 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 weights approximately 245 kg more than 1997 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, 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 (315 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Honda NSX. (311 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Honda NSX. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 has automatic transmission and 1997 Honda NSX has manual transmission. 1997 Honda NSX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Honda NSX | 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | NSX | 380 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 3839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 205 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7100 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 311 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 5140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 3080 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 90 L |
