2003 McLaren F1 vs. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380
To start off, 2003 McLaren F1 is newer by 21 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 6,062 cc (12 cylinders), 2003 McLaren F1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 McLaren F1 (618 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 413 more horse power than 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380. (205 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 McLaren F1 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 445 kg more than 2003 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, 2003 McLaren F1 (649 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 334 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380. (315 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2003 McLaren F1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 has automatic transmission and 2003 McLaren F1 has manual transmission. 2003 McLaren F1 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:
| 2003 McLaren F1 | 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 | |
| Make | McLaren | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | F1 | 380 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 6062 cc | 3839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 618 HP | 205 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 649 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.1 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 5140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 3080 mm |
