2005 Acura NSX vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380
To start off, 2005 Acura NSX is newer by 26 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, 2005 Acura NSX (286 HP @ 7100 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. (215 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Acura NSX should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 weights approximately 146 kg more than 2005 Acura 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, both vehicles can yield 305 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 has automatic transmission and 2005 Acura NSX has manual transmission. 2005 Acura NSX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Acura NSX | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 | |
| Make | Acura | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | NSX | 380 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 3818 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 286 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7100 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2940 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 90 L |
