1998 McLaren F1 vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380
To start off, 1998 McLaren F1 is newer by 18 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 6,063 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 McLaren F1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 McLaren F1 (618 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 400 more horse power than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. (218 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 McLaren F1 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 384 kg more than 1998 McLaren F1.
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, 1998 McLaren F1 (649 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 344 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 McLaren F1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 has automatic transmission and 1998 McLaren F1 has manual transmission. 1998 McLaren F1 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:
| 1998 McLaren F1 | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 | |
| Make | McLaren | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | F1 | 380 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 6063 cc | 3818 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 618 HP | 218 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 649 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.1 mm | 71.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1176 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2820 mm |
