2005 BMW 320 vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380
To start off, 2005 BMW 320 is newer by 25 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 3,818 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 (218 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 2005 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 weights approximately 90 kg more than 2005 BMW 320. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2005 BMW 320 (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 320 | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 320 | 380 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3818 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 218 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 90 L |
