2005 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C 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 47 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz C. (168 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 weights approximately 11 kg more than 2005 Mercedes-Benz C. 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, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mercedes-Benz C. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz C | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | C | 380 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2597 cc | 3818 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.2 mm | 71.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 229 km/hour | 216 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2940 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 90 L |
