2003 Cadillac Seville vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380
To start off, 2003 Cadillac Seville is newer by 24 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 4,565 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Cadillac Seville is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Cadillac Seville (300 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. (215 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Cadillac Seville should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Cadillac Seville weights approximately 210 kg more than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Cadillac Seville, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2003 Cadillac Seville (407 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Cadillac Seville will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Cadillac Seville | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Seville | 380 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4565 cc | 3818 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 71.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1806 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5110 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2940 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 90 L |
