2005 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (268 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. (218 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 weights approximately 10 kg more than 2005 Mercedes-Benz C.
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 Mercedes-Benz C (350 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 has automatic transmission and 2005 Mercedes-Benz C has manual transmission. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz C | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | C | 380 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 3818 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 268 HP | 218 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92.9 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 71.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1550 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 90 L |
