2005 Fiat Panda vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380
To start off, 2005 Fiat Panda 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, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 (215 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 146 more horse power than 2005 Fiat Panda. (69 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 should accelerate faster than 2005 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 weights approximately 661 kg more than 2005 Fiat Panda. 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, 2005 Fiat Panda, 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, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 (305 Nm) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Fiat Panda. (255 Nm). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Fiat Panda. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 has automatic transmission and 2005 Fiat Panda has manual transmission. 2005 Fiat Panda 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 Fiat Panda | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Panda | 380 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1248 cc | 3818 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 69.7 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 71.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 935 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2940 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 90 L |
