2000 BMW 320 vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380
To start off, 2000 BMW 320 is newer by 21 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 3,818 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 (215 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 2000 BMW 320. (170 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 should accelerate faster than 2000 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 BMW 320 weights approximately 34 kg more than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380.
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, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 BMW 320. (211 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 BMW 320 | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 320 | 380 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 3818 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 71.8 mm |
| Top Speed | 219 km/hour | 216 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2940 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 90 L |
